When Ideas Become Too Dangerous To Platform

Economist Professor Gigi Foster delivered a TEDx talk titled "The Manipulators' Playbook" at the University of New South Wales, examining how fear and conformity can be harnessed by those in power to manipulate behavior and silence dissent. Her talk drew on the Covid-19 experience, arguing that critics of mainstream responses were vilified, and dialogue gave way to dogma. Foster recalled being labelled a "granny killer" and receiving death threats for questioning lockdown policies. Despite providing evidence to substantiate her claims, TEDx rejected her talk, citing that it did not adhere to content guidelines. Foster pushed back, arguing that her talk aligned with TED's mission to spark conversation and deepen understanding. The rejection has implications beyond one speaker or talk, suggesting that TED is now unwilling to engage with narratives that challenge institutional power. This abandonment of TED's own mission is part of a broader pattern of platforms narrowing the boundaries of acceptable thought. Foster's message was a warning about how powerful institutions can manipulate public perception, weaponise fear, and suppress dissent.