FREEDOM OF SPEECH: SOON IN A GALAXY VERY, VERY CLOSE TO US…

The timeless clash between authoritarianism and freedom, presented as an allegory with Star Wars, inspired by META’s new content moderation policy.

In the Star Wars universe, an epic struggle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance symbolizes the timeless conflict between authoritarianism and freedom. Although fictional, the parallels to our times are undeniable, especially regarding freedom of expression. The battle between centralized and decentralized systems, so evident in today’s digital universe, is reflected in how we moderate content on social media platforms. Adding references to recent series like The Mandalorian or Andor makes the message even more relevant for digital natives.

The Empire: Centralized Control

The Galactic Empire is the archetype of a centralized and oppressive system. Just as the Empire controls information and silences dissent (evident in the destruction of Alderaan as punishment for Leia Organa’s defiance), many social media platforms operate similarly. Content moderation is dictated by policies set by centralized entities, as has happened so far on Meta’s social network Facebook [Meta recently announced a shift to a system identical to that used by the X network (formerly Twitter)] or YouTube, deciding what can or cannot be published. While the stated goal is to protect the community from hate speech or misinformation, this approach raises concerns about censorship and impartiality.

Modern series like Andor show the Empire’s oppression even more viscerally. Systems meant to protect people are used to control them, and the implicit message is clear. When power is centralized, freedom of expression becomes fragile. This is a pertinent warning for a world where algorithms decide what we see.

The Rebel Alliance: Decentralized Resistance

Conversely, the Rebel Alliance represents decentralized and collaborative resistance, much like the “community notes” initiatives emerging on social media. Consider, for example, Community Notes on Twitter (or X), where users provide context and corrections. This model resembles a digital democracy where decision-making power is shared rather than imposed from above.

In The Mandalorian, this spirit of decentralized collaboration is evident. Din Djarin and his allies, operating without formal structures, manage to resist oppressive forces, showing that strength lies in the union of independent individuals. Similarly, decentralized networks like Mastodon or blockchain-based tools promote an internet less subject to central control.

Contemporary Parallels: The Tension Between Security and Freedom

Just like in Star Wars, our era is marked by a tension between security and freedom.

• Centralized platforms argue that strict moderation is necessary to protect users from misinformation and hate speech. However, this control can easily censor legitimate opinions, just as the Empire silences its critics.
• Decentralized systems, on the other hand, promote freedom of expression but face challenges, such as the spread of harmful or manipulative content. Without clear regulations, these platforms can become “lawless territories.”

The union of ethical values and technology in Star Wars enables the Rebels to triumph. Similarly, centralized and decentralized systems need to evolve in our world to ensure a balance between freedom and responsibility.

Other Series, Same Message

For digital natives, series like Black Mirror also explore the dangers of information control. The episode “Nosedive” shows how a centralized digital society, where everything is controlled by public ratings, can lead to a loss of personal freedom. Meanwhile, The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett highlight the importance of collaboration and independence in the fight for justice.

These narratives are more than entertainment; they are warnings. They urge young people to critically examine the role of the platforms they use daily, questioning who truly controls their voices and how they can contribute to fairer systems.

Lessons from This Galaxy Close to Us

Just as Luke Skywalker discovered that balance in the “Force” depended on harmony between opposites, our digital world also needs balance. Centralized platforms must adopt greater transparency and allow user participation in moderation. On the other hand, decentralized systems need mechanisms to prevent abuse and promote a safer space for everyone.

The final message of Star Wars and the modern series is clear: freedom of expression is an achievement that demands responsibility. For today’s youth, growing up in a digital world, it is crucial to understand that while centralized control may seem protective, true freedom lies in collaboration, transparency, and decentralization.

May the force of freedom of expression always be with us!

Dario Rodrigues

NOTE
This article was produced using artificial intelligence (ChatGPT 4.0). “Prompts” used for its creation and guidance:

1. “In a galaxy far, far away…”
2. “Reflect on the role of freedom of expression in the conflicts of that galaxy.”
3. “Bring the issue to our times, contrasting the role of ‘community notes’ on social media with institutionalized content moderation.”
4. “Draw the parallel elegantly so that it resonates with a younger audience, referencing not only Star Wars but also more recent series to make it more explanatory for digital natives.”

Video featuring a statement by Mark Zuckerberg (founder, chairman, and CEO of Meta):

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