Elon Musk nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for 'protecting free speech'

As a "stout proponent for free speech," Elon Musk has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, joining a select group of the world's most influential change agents that includes journalists, environmentalists, political activists, and religious leaders.

The owner of X and the inventor of Tesla was nominated by Marius Nilsen, the MP for Norway's libertarian Progress Party, allegedly because of his "adamant defence of discussion, free expression and [allowing] the chance to express one's ideas" in a "continuously more polarised society", according to Daily Mail.

Nilsen also gave Musk's SpaceX-operated Starlink satellite internet network credit for his choice, pointing out that opposition fighters in Ukraine utilise it to "communicate, coordinate, and withstand the attack from Russia" while the conflict rages.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain timely and diverse information from the conflict zone; last week, Starlink was granted a licence for comparable use in sections of Gaza and Israel.

Nilsen stated that "the world is a more connected and safer place thanks to the multitude of tech companies Musk has founded, owns, or runs, which are aimed at bettering societies, increasing knowledge of both earth and space, in addition to enabling communication and connectivity globally."

Nominations for the award are open to anybody who meets the requirements, which include having experience in government or academia and having won honours in the past. After that, a shortlist will be compiled through March, and judges will then assess the candidates before making an announcement in October.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, an unnamed panel of five people chosen by the nation's parliament, will choose the recipient of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.

In order for their entries to be considered, nominees must submit them by January 31. A shortlist will then be created in March.