'It's pushing my libertarian side to its limits': Dave Rubin on the big tech regulation debate

Comedian and host of "The Rubin Report," Dave Rubin, joined Glenn Beck on Thursday's radio program to talk about his battles with social media censorship and the dangers of government regulations for big tech companies such as YouTube and Facebook.

Glenn congratulated Dave for reaching a million subscribers, a monumental feat given the platform's proclivity for banning anyone "who is slightly to the left of Bernie Sanders," and asked about the challenges he has faced with demonetization and censorship on the platform.

"It's starting to push my libertarian side, which is the core of what I am, it's pushing my libertarian side to its limits because, look, these are private companies and in my estimation they can do what they want to do. Nobody is forcing me to be on YouTube. I'm voluntarily using their service," Dave said. "But the next part is, how do these tech companies become so awesomely powerful that we actually can't even grapple with how much information they control, how much power they have, and the amount of connection they have with the government at this point?"

Dave noted the "big push" for government intervention he has seen from conservatives, whose platforms are more likely to be banned or censored. He said that, while he understands the inclination, he still believes that regulation would make matters worse in the long run. The government is notoriously bad at running any kind of company, let alone one involving technology, and is equally likely to be partisan, especially down the road when another president is in office, he added.

"What happens if the democratic socialists get in power and now they've got [control over] the tech companies ... and the government, too?" he said.

Glenn pointed out that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has actually been pushing for government regulation, a clear indication that such an alliance would work in his company's favor.

"If they get their regulation, it will not only crush all competition, but on top of that it will make the Bill of Rights absolutely worthless," Glenn said. "These are companies that are private and so they do have the right. But if they're the backbone and, because of regulation our only choice, they can ban any voice and you have nowhere to go because the Bill of Rights does not apply."

Catch the rest of the conversation in the video below:

Want more from Glenn Beck?

To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.