NEW DELHI: Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian Member of Parliament Marius Nilsen.
Nilsen praised Musk for his unwavering support of free speech and his efforts to enhance global communication. He highlighted Musk’s “adamant defense of dialogue, free speech, and enabling the possibility to express one’s views” in an increasingly polarized world.
The nomination also recognizes Musk’s technological contributions in fostering global connectivity. Nilsen emphasized that Musk’s companies have helped create a more connected and safer world.
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This nomination comes amid ongoing debates over Musk’s influence on free speech, especially after his acquisition of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Musk, who calls himself a “free speech absolutist,” has reinstated several previously suspended accounts, including those of Ye (formerly Kanye West), influencer Andrew Tate, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
While his supporters see this as a bold stand for open dialogue, critics argue that his approach has allowed misinformation and hate speech to spread. Some have also accused Musk of suppressing voices critical of him, including threats of legal action against bloggers and the firing of employees who disagreed with him.
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The Nobel Peace Prize nomination process allows submissions from individuals such as members of national assemblies and governments. A shortlist is typically prepared in March, with the winner announced in October.
Musk now joins a list of other high-profile nominees, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Past nominations have also included controversial figures such as Vladimir Putin and Julian Assange.
As the Nobel Committee deliberates, Musk’s nomination underscores the global conversation about the balance between free speech and responsible communication in the digital age.