X vs Minnesota! Is Elon Musk About to Unleash His Dragons on the Land of 10,000 Lakes?!

Winter (of Free Speech) is Coming!

My loyal subjects your Khaleesi brings tidings from a land far far away – a place called the United States of America. It appears a new battle is brewing not for the Iron Throne but for something they call 'free speech.' Elon Musk a man famed for his fiery steeds of steel (electric cars they call them) and his platform X (formerly known as Twitter a name as bland as unsalted porridge) is locked in a dragon sized legal duel with the state of Minnesota. Apparently they've made a law banning these 'deepfakes' – twisted AI generated illusions – from meddling in their elections. It seems even in this strange land some fear the power of illusion can sway the masses. As I always say: 'When I take what is mine I will do so not with words but with fire!'

Fire and Blood... and Lawsuits!

Musk a self proclaimed 'free speech absolutist' (a title I find myself sympathetic to having fought for the freedom of slaves myself) argues that Minnesota's law is as oppressive as the Mad King's decrees. He believes it allows the state to silence valuable political discourse something I’ve never tolerated. He fears this law will result in “censorship of wide swaths of valuable political speech and commentary”. His company X has filed a lawsuit claiming this law violates their rights under something called the First Amendment. It seems everyone wants a piece of the pie or in this case a piece of the 'First Amendment'!

The Mother of Platforms vs. the Attorney General!

Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison has remained as silent as the Lamb Men of Qarth. X believes that the state is replacing its judgment with the states’ judgment. X is asking the federal judge to declare that Minnesota's law is unconstitutional. This reminds me of the time I had to deal with the Masters of Meereen – always trying to undermine my rule with their sly schemes and honeyed words. I see this as a very similar situation this Attorney General is basically acting like a master!

Deepfakes: The New White Walkers of Politics?

These 'deepfakes,' are described as videos pictures or sounds twisted by artificial intelligence. And at least 22 states have prohibited the use of deepfakes in elections. In my day we had to worry about whispers and lies spread by ravens and wandering minstrels. Now it seems even magic has been replaced by these… digital illusions. I for one would prefer a dragon at my disposal!

Section 230: The Aegon's Conquest of Internet Law?

X also argues that the law contradicts something called Section 230 a mysterious clause that protects social media companies from being held responsible for what their users post. It's like blaming me for the actions of every Dothraki in my horde! It seems even in this strange land there are laws protecting the innocent (or at least the slightly less guilty). They want a permanent injunction preventing the law from being enforced.

A Song of Ice and (Legal) Fire!

This isn't the first challenge to Minnesota's law. Another Republican state lawmaker and a social media influencer already tried to stop it but were shot down by a judge. It seems there's already a brewing storm in this land. As I once declared 'I will take what is mine with fire and blood.' I can not wait to see if X will succeed in its endeavors.