Journalist Gil Durán received a permanent ban from Elon Musk's X after posting "TLDR: Fascism" in response to a Palantir manifesto. The manifesto outlined points praising American "hard power," Western culture, and AI weapons, while denouncing inclusivity and calling for compulsory national service.
Durán noted that his post did not violate X's written rules, suggesting the ban might be related to his preceding tweet promoting his new book, "The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy."
Durán's book argues that major tech companies are no longer beneficial, as their billionaire owners are gaining economic and political control, steering global affairs towards their own visions. He asserts that the term "fascism" is appropriate, citing definitions from Umberto Eco, Robert Paxton, and Jason Stanley.
He contends that the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement fits these definitions, characterized by a "cult of grievance" that uses propaganda to demonize enemies and establish a permanent hierarchy, combined with nationalistic and militaristic elements.
Durán extends his argument to Silicon Valley, stating it has become fascist by aligning with such movements to gain power. He points to instances like tech leaders supporting Donald Trump and Palantir's AI surveillance technology being used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
He also suggests a "cosy relationship" where tech titans have benefited Trump's family through cryptocurrency and received government contracts and freedom from regulation. Additionally, Durán believes Silicon Valley has adopted an "extreme ideology of tech supremacy."
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Journalist Gil Durán was permanently banned from X after responding to a Palantir manifesto with "TLDR: Fascism." Durán argues that Silicon Valley has aligned with a fascist movement and adopted an ideology of tech supremacy, as detailed in his new book, "The Nerd Reich."