Rumble CEO Concerned About Online Censorship

In a recent interview, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski revealed that the video-sharing platform has exited markets such as Russia, France, and Brazil due to government attempts to censor free speech. Pavlovski emphasized that Rumble has maintained its original policies from a decade ago, contrasting the platform's consistency with the evolving stances of other internet services. He argued that the internet was founded on principles of freedom and openness, lamenting a shift in the last ten years where many platforms have begun to dictate what users can access. Pavlovski responded to criticisms from media outlets, including The Washington Post, which labeled Rumble as a hub of "misinformation." He specifically addressed claims regarding vaccine durability, asserting that Rumble's role is not to determine the validity of information but to allow users to make their own informed decisions. He cautioned against any entity that attempts to dictate public opinion, suggesting that such actions warrant skepticism. The CEO also highlighted the political pressures Rumble faces globally for its pro-free speech stance. He noted that the platform was banned in China and exited France after being pressured to censor Russian news sources. Pavlovski reiterated Rumble's commitment to American laws and principles, stating that content will not be removed unless it violates their policies. Ironically, he pointed out that Russia subsequently banned Rumble, underscoring the complexities of navigating free speech in a global context.