In a recent interview with Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski revealed that his platform has left markets such as Russia, France, and Brazil due to the attempts by their governments to censor free speech. He emphasized that competitors like Google’s YouTube have chosen to cooperate with these countries in stifling open discussion. Pavlovski noted that Rumble’s policies have not changed since its inception ten years ago, while other platforms on the internet have shifted their stance on freedom of expression.
The internet was initially founded on the principles of being “free and open,” a belief that has persisted for the past two decades. However, in recent times, governments around the world have increasingly sought to control what information their citizens can access, often with the support of major tech companies. In contrast, Rumble continues to uphold its commitment to free speech and allowing users to make informed decisions based on available information.
Pavlovski highlighted the irony in the criticism his company has faced from various sources, such as The Washington Post, which accused Rumble of promoting misinformation while simultaneously pushing false narratives themselves. He pointed out that what may be considered “misinformation” today could become accepted facts tomorrow, and it is essential to allow people to engage in debates and share opinions without censorship.
As a platform, Rumble’s primary responsibility is not to dictate the right or wrong viewpoint but rather to empower users to make informed decisions by presenting various perspectives. Pavlovski stressed that when someone tries to control public opinion, it raises questions about their intentions, and this mindset is contrary to the values of a free society.
Rumble has faced political pressure from around the globe for its pro-free speech stance. The company was banned in China, left France due to government demands to censor Russian news sources on the platform, and departed Brazil over similar censorship requests. Pavlovski emphasized that Rumble would not remove content unless it violated their policies, regardless of external pressure.
In summary, Rumble’s CEO Chris Pavlovski stands by his company’s commitment to preserving free speech on the internet while other platforms have succumbed to government demands for censorship. By upholding the original principles of the internet and empowering users to make informed decisions based on a variety of perspectives, Rumble continues to differentiate itself from competitors who prioritize conformity over freedom.