Is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s recent push for free speech genuine, or is it a strategic maneuver to appease the incoming Trump administration?
On January 7, Zuckerberg announced that Meta would “get back to our roots around free expression” by ending third-party fact-checking in the United States and lifting certain restrictions on speech. However, Meta’s actions suggest otherwise. Less than a week later, users reported being blocked from sharing links to decentralized social media platforms like Pixelfed and Mastodon, raising doubts about the sincerity of Meta’s commitment to free speech.
This week’s Crypto Biz dives into Meta’s actions, a lawsuit between Tether and Swan Bitcoin, the booming crypto operations at Boerse Stuttgart, and the potential sale of TikTok to Elon Musk.
Meta blocks links to decentralized platforms
While Zuckerberg has claimed a renewed commitment to free speech, Meta’s recent actions tell a different story. Users attempting to share links to Pixelfed (an Instagram alternative) and Mastodon (an open-source social network) found their posts flagged as “spam” and removed.
A report by 404 Media highlighted numerous complaints from users on platforms like Bluesky, who shared that their posts linking to these decentralized competitors were immediately deleted.
These deletions followed Meta’s pledge to prioritize “more speech and fewer mistakes.” The timing has led critics to question whether the move is a genuine policy shift or an attempt to rebuild political goodwill with President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously threatened legal action against Zuckerberg.
Tether files lawsuit against swan bitcoin
Tether, the issuer of the largest stablecoin, has filed a lawsuit against Swan Bitcoin over alleged breaches of a joint venture agreement.
The dispute stems from a mining operation called 2040 Energy, co-founded by Tether and Swan in 2022. The conflict escalated when Swan accused former employees of sabotaging the venture by stealing proprietary information. Tether, in turn, alleged that Swan acted recklessly and breached the terms of their agreement.
The lawsuit, filed in the High Court of England and Wales, seeks to resolve the dispute, with Tether maintaining that it acted in good faith. Swan CEO Cory Klippsten, removed from his leadership role at 2040 Energy in August 2024, has not commented on the lawsuit.
Crypto revenue soars at boerse stuttgart
The German stock exchange Boerse Stuttgart reported significant growth in its crypto-related revenue, which accounted for 25% of its total income in 2024.
Crypto trading volumes at Boerse tripled last year, with client-held digital assets exceeding €4.3 billion ($4.4 billion) by year-end. CEO Matthias Voelkel expressed optimism about the long-term growth of cryptocurrencies, citing Bitcoin’s scarcity and increasing demand as major factors driving adoption.
While the pro-crypto policies of the Trump administration are boosting optimism in the United States, Voelkel noted that Europe is also experiencing a favorable environment for digital asset businesses.
TikTok ban: will elon musk buy the U.S. operations?
Concerns over a TikTok ban in the United States have led Chinese officials to explore alternative solutions, including selling the platform’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk.
Lawmakers argue that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, poses a national security risk due to its alleged ties to the Chinese government. Bipartisan legislation passed in 2024 requires ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a complete ban.
While Musk opposes a TikTok ban on free speech grounds, Bloomberg reports that TikTok’s U.S. operations could be valued at up to $50 billion if sold.
Conclusion
This week’s crypto developments reflect the complex intersection of politics, technology, and business. From Meta’s controversial actions to Tether’s legal battle and Boerse Stuttgart’s crypto boom, the industry continues to evolve rapidly. The ongoing TikTok saga further highlights how government decisions can shape tech and crypto ecosystems in 2025.
FAQs
Why is Meta blocking links to decentralized platforms?
Meta has flagged links to decentralized platforms like Pixelfed and Mastodon as “spam,” raising questions about its commitment to free speech.
What is the dispute between Tether and Swan Bitcoin?
The lawsuit involves allegations of breaches in a joint venture agreement for a mining operation, with both parties accusing each other of wrongdoing.
How significant is crypto for Boerse Stuttgart?
Crypto trading accounted for 25% of Boerse Stuttgart’s revenue in 2024, highlighting the growing demand for digital assets.
What’s behind the potential TikTok ban in the U.S.?
Lawmakers are concerned about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and its potential misuse of user data, prompting calls for ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations.
I am Toby Rothschild, Co-Founder of Spearmint and author at Coinography, and a strategist focused on advancing Web3 innovation, digital ecosystems, and the future of decentralized technology. I combine product thinking, creative leadership, and deep interest in emerging trends to help shape how individuals and organizations interact with the next generation of digital systems.
My work centers on understanding how blockchain, AI, and digital identity are reshaping global industries. At Spearmint, I help lead the direction of initiatives that bring clarity, structure, and meaningful user experiences to complex technological environments. I focus on bridging vision with execution, ensuring that innovation remains practical, scalable, and aligned with long-term growth.
As an author at Coinography, I create insights that translate fast-moving Web3 developments into clear, useful narratives. I explore topics such as decentralized governance, digital identity, creator economies, token models, protocol design, and the shifting cultural patterns around emerging technology. My aim is to make digital transformation more understandable and approachable for a wider audience.
I believe that Web3 is not only a technological shift but a cultural and creative one. Strong ideas, thoughtful communication, and human-centered design will shape which technologies thrive and how communities evolve around them. My writing and research reflect this belief, focusing on clarity, relevance, and long-term perspective.
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