A one-word response from Elon Musk might have been influential, if not decisive, in convincing PayPal to reverse an alleged confiscatory rule.
The online payment company reportedly had floated an amendment in its Acceptable Use Policy that would fine users $2,500 for, among other things, spreading misinformation, with is a rather ambiguous term these days.
Former PayPal president David Marcus took to Twitter to lament this change in the terms of service that was reportedly set to go into effect on November 3:
“It’s hard for me to openly criticize a company I used to love and gave so much to. But @PayPal’s new AUP goes against everything I believe in. A private company now gets to decide to take your money if you say something they disagree with. Insanity,” he wrote.
“Agreed,” Musk, a PayPal co-founder, replied succinctly.
Agreed
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 8, 2022
With a statement, PayPal subsequently backed away from the policy that many concluded was unfriendly:
“An AUP notice recently went out in error that included incorrect information. PayPal is not fining people for misinformation and this language was never intended to be inserted in our policy. Our teams are working to correct our policy pages…We’re sorry for the confusion this has caused.”
We’re sorry for the confusion this has caused.”
— Lily Hay Newman (@lilyhnewman) October 8, 2022
By then, the backlash had already reached an intense level, with other free-speech-supporting influencers weighing in. Here is just a representative sample of the outrage that had emerged.
Get your money out of paypal right now. https://t.co/uYCMMWC1lA
— David Sacks (@DavidSacks) October 8, 2022
Seriously, close your PayPal account immediately if they don't reverse this today. https://t.co/5FGG6LLTT5
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) October 8, 2022
The “misinformation” police are now extending their reach beyond your social media accounts and into your financial accounts. https://t.co/9bTVbAZEfj
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) October 8, 2022
Orwellian.
Paypal reserves the right to take your money if you post a message that Paypal decides is "misinformation."
This is why it is so vital that state and federal legislatures pass laws that prohibit discrimination by tech companies and protect free speech. https://t.co/ePwA1BSeBB
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) October 8, 2022
PayPal is censoring speech.
If you don’t listen, they will steal your money.
We cannot allow this to happen.https://t.co/snjiOWbK0S
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) October 8, 2022
Some social media users also expressed skepticism that PayPal had made a mere error that never was meant for implementation.
Somehow I doubt this was inserted by accident. It had to go through multiple layers of management and numerous lawyers before being published. It’s that these people live in woke progressive echo chambers so they didn’t expect the pushback.
— AdamLowisz (@AdamLowisz) October 8, 2022
PAYPAL: “We are sorry for the confusion as we hoped this would go unnoticed. Please understand we will rescind this policy and reintroduce it again when the time is right.”
— Jack O’Neill (@Jack2LOneill) October 8, 2022
I’m sure it was just a mistake. AUPs are usually just thrown together by the new interns. I’m sure no company attorneys review them before rolling them out.
— Old School Observer (@GusB08055982) October 8, 2022
Clearly they’re backtracking after criticisms like these. Damage control in full swing. Expect more denials and gaslighting as they try to salvage their image. pic.twitter.com/POc0t2a1z0
— Corndalorian⚡️ (@corndalorian) October 8, 2022
Will PayPal fine themselves $2,500 for providing misinformation?
— Filmtorres (@filmtorres) October 8, 2022
Here’s the clause. I already moved my shit away from PPhttps://t.co/ySnDu8m1dN
— ⭕TrumpWon⭕ (@_trumpwon_) October 8, 2022
“PayPal and other large tech companies have previously made news when cutting ties or denying service to individuals or companies based on their political positions, affiliations, or activities — mainly if not almost exclusively targeting those on the political right,” the liberal Mediiate website admitted.
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