Third rail topic

Third rail topic link (Censorship)
File:Third rail topic.jpg
A topic that is not to be touched.

A third rail topic is one that is not to be touched. It is a subject, concept or interpretation of events signposted by The Powers That Be as being unsuitable for any kind of public or academic debate and where offenders are at risk of (usually unspecified) serious adverse consequences. Third rail topics are a key aspect of the commercially-controlled media's self-censorship.

Etymology

The phrase refers to the central rail used by some electric trains. While the outside rails are for carrying the train, the third rail carries the electric current, and so even touching it can deliver a fatal electric shock.

Wikipedia

On Wikipedia, the page about this includes topics that seemingly are controversial, but are still being talked about daily, such as race issues, or abortion, seemingly not talking about deep events and their background.

Censorship of topics

Certain conspiracies are allowed to be discussed whereas others are off limits.

File:Conspiracy Chart 2021.png

Conspiracy Chart from "mis and disinformation researcher" Abbie Richards.

Third rail topics are not forbidden opinions, such as dissent from the 9-11/Official narrative or any of its official opposition narratives, but entire topics which should never be discussed.

In 2020, treatment of Covid-19 emerged as a third rail. Knowledge about repurposed off patent drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin was suppressed and studies were manipulated to hide their efficacy and provide a pretext for their automatic censorship. The COVID lockdowns provided a new twist, by preventing people from meeting physically, they amplified the effectiveness of their censorship by big tech.

Censorship of people

Willingness to discuss third rail topics is used in ad hominem attacks aimed at undermining credibility.