Digital media expert urges caution amid US crackdown

Digital law expert, Rorke Wilson, has encouraged people to continue using social media confidently and responsibly, despite recent US efforts to regulate online speech.

“I don’t think we need to be increasingly cautious. I think we need to be as cautious as we’ve always been when you’re speaking in a public platform, you know? When we’re dealing with social media, it’s a public, searchable, permanent format, so you need to conduct yourself accordingly in those ways,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s remarks come amid growing concern on social media following the US Department of State’s decision to revoke the visas of several individuals, including South African media personality and podcaster Nhlamulo Baloyi, popularly known as Nota.

The State Department alleges that these individuals, including Baloyi, celebrated the assassination attempt on American political commentator Charlie Kirk.

In a post shared on 10 September, Baloyi described one of the rallies held in Kirk’s honour as “racist” and added, “they’re hurt that the racist rally ended in attempted martyrdom.”

 

Kirk, 31, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was well-known for his influence among young conservative voters, often using inflammatory rhetoric on issues such as gender, race, and immigration.

The visa revocations appear to form part of a broader effort by US authorities to target individuals who have posted views about Kirk that the Trump administration considers offensive or politically inappropriate.

Following backlash, Baloyi later posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter), for his actions.

I would like to make it know that I unconditionally apologise to all those that felt my post was insensitive & ill-timed in any context. I have noted the reactions & response of no more than 10comments to a post which I feel were prompted by the state department’s announcement… pic.twitter.com/3nGqeG6M2i

— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) October 15, 2025

Wilson acknowledges that the U.S. is moving away from its traditional stance on free speech, particularly regarding immigration and border control. However, he emphasizes that this shift should not silence individuals, especially those living outside the United States.

Some social media users have reacted to his apology.

Mocking the death of anyone—no matter your politics—is disgraceful. Nota Baloyi’s comments about Charlie Kirk were cruel and irresponsible. Free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. The U.S. was right to revoke his visa.

— Spog (@sjpog) October 15, 2025

USA: We are revoking VISAS of everyone who said mean things about Charlie Kirk.

Nota Baloyi right now: https://t.co/b7wR865615 pic.twitter.com/KO1Z88CINu

— m b david (@m_b_david) October 15, 2025