Telegram slam: the Russian driving Musk to extremes
The Independent|August 10, 2024
Could it be that Elon Musk is running scared? In recent days, the personal motivation of the multi-billionaire and tech innovator has become a hot topic. What possesses such an obviously intelligent person to voice support for the far-right thugs and their leader, Tommy Robinson? At best, it is polarising and will alienate many of his customers, including possibly those of his Tesla cars.
CHRIS BLACKHURST
Telegram slam: the Russian driving Musk to extremes

Why, suddenly, is he so opposed to the government of Sir Keir Starmer? Previously, he was an admirer of Rishi Sunak, and the Tory approach to the unrest would have been little different from Labour had they been in power. Yet, Musk has turned on Starmer with barbs that are at times personal. These and other questions have been raised about Musk’s behaviour.

One possibility is that he is advocating free speech and, as the owner of X, he fears whatever curbs Starmer may be planning with the Online Safety Bill. Certainly, he appears to be laying down a challenge that Starmer et al are threatening the very principle of freedom of expression in moving against social media. However, his reasoning may be further explained by the realisation that his channel has a rival which is growing in popularity and which authorities are struggling to touch. The increasing success of Telegram might well be what is prompting Musk, with his 193 million followers on X, to become a one-man advert for his own platform.

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FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE INDEPENDENTSe alt
Carse justifies England faith as the archetypal bold pick
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Carse justifies England faith as the archetypal bold pick

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Tenacious Diallo the key to Amorim pressing machine
The Independent

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Gold King Cole packs the Bridge with merry old souls
The Independent

Gold King Cole packs the Bridge with merry old souls

In the 83rd minute, the ball rolled to the feet of Cole Palmer in a bubble of space outside Aston Villa's box, and the crowd snapped to attention.

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4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Vibrant Anfield marks the changing of the Guardiola
The Independent

Vibrant Anfield marks the changing of the Guardiola

There was a lull in the noise, a break in the Anfield atmosphere, when a defiant chant emerged from a corner near Stefan Ortega’s goal.

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3 mins  |
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What is so daunting about Spain's new data checks?
The Independent

What is so daunting about Spain's new data checks?

Q You have written about the new “red tape” for visitors to Spain. So, as well as your usual passport details you will give a contact number, address and email. Not exactly the Spanish Inquisition, is it?

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1 min  |
December 02, 2024
Sectarian clashes claim at least 130 lives in Pakistan
The Independent

Sectarian clashes claim at least 130 lives in Pakistan

At least 130 people were killed in deadly sectarian clashes in Pakistan's northwestern Kurram district in spite of a tentative ceasefire, days after gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying Shia Muslims, local officials said.

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3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Coalition government likely in Ireland as count proceeds
The Independent

Coalition government likely in Ireland as count proceeds

Fianna Fail say decisions on power-sharing for another day’

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4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
How Syria's forgotten war is back on the world's agenda
The Independent

How Syria's forgotten war is back on the world's agenda

Many believed the country was lost in an unsolvable conflict, until everything changed in a matter of days, writes Bel Trew

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4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Assad regime scrambles to halt Syrian rebels’ advance
The Independent

Assad regime scrambles to halt Syrian rebels’ advance

Civilians reportedly killed by Russian and Syrian airstrikes

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4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Mother of poisoning victim says she knew she would die
The Independent

Mother of poisoning victim says she knew she would die

Lawyer Simone White succumbed to the effects of methanol while backpacking in Laos with two of her childhood friends

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2 mins  |
December 02, 2024