Some of Musk’s own tweets raised eyebrows
USA:
Experts say Elon Musk’s vow to let people say whatever they want on Twitter after he took over the social media giant could bolster users against bullying and misinformation bias on the platform, experts said.
Details of Musk’s plans for Twitter were slim after his deal to buy the tech company was announced Monday, but the Tesla chief describes himself as a libertarian.
But the privatization of Twitter with Musk, as its owner, has raised concerns from analysts and activists that the site will be ruled by the world’s richest man, with much focus more on attention and profit than promoting healthy online conversations, which is a priority at the service.
For Syracuse University associate professor of media law Kyla Garrett-Wagner, Musk’s takeover of Twitter is not a victory over free speech.
“What we’ve done is put more power in the hands of fewer people,” she told AFP.
“If tomorrow Elon Musk decides that he wants to shut down Twitter for a week, he can do it.”
She noted that the First Amendment to the US Constitution only prevents governments from silencing what people say – leaving the billionaire businessman the right to decide what can and cannot be posted on private entities. Twitter person.
“This is not the corner,” says Garrett-Wagner. “This is the Wild West according to the dialect but owned by a minority elite that does not represent the voice of the minority.”
‘Trolls take over’
Musk’s approach to content promises is a particularly thorny issue when it comes to high-profile cases like that of former US President Donald Trump, who was banned from Twitter following an attack on the Capitol. by his supporters.
“Musk says he’s going to turn Twitter into a censorship-free social media platform; there have been several of them and they haven’t worked,” said Enderle Group analyst Rob Enderle.
“The trolls took over, they became too hostile and drove people off the platform.”
Musk has said he doesn’t like banning people from Twitter due to misconduct, leading to speculation that he will lift Trump’s ban.
But Trump on Monday said he would not return to Twitter even if his account was reinstated, adding that he would stick with his own website, Truth Social.
App store problem?
If Musk pulls back on Twitter’s content policy, advertisers will also have to take the lead to ensure their messaging doesn’t involve harmful content, advocates and academics say.
“Accountability now lies with Twitter’s top advertisers,” said Angelo Carusone, director of Media Matters for America.
“It is important that Google and Apple hold Twitter to the same standards they have applied to other apps like Parler,” he added, referring to a social network popular among conservatives. .
According to Carusone, the tech giant will need to reiterate that “Twitter will not receive special treatment and violations of their terms of service will result in the platform being removed from the app stores.”
Mr. Garrett-Wagner said Musk will also face a tough ruling in the court of public opinion, with Twitter users tending to turn away from the platform if it becomes hostile and awash with misinformation. deviated.
Some of Musk’s own tweets have raised eyebrows, as he once mocked a Tesla accuser and in 2018 called a lifeguard who criticized plans to save children from a flooded cave in California. Thailand is “a pedo guy”.
Baird analyst Colin Sebastian told investors in a note: While Musk has talked about removing spam-causing software “bots” on Twitter, it’s actually confirmed that users are Living people can be a challenge.
Sebastian notes that Musk’s idea of charging Musk for those coveted blue checkmarks that verify users’ identities is a “no-brainer,” but it’s likely that only a handful of people will pay for the status. this attitude.
Musk also said he believes anyone can scrutinize the software behind the service.
However, that transparency could lead to the unintended consequences of being taken advantage of by “bad guys” who seek to trick the system into promoting their writing, analysts warn. .
“The rhetoric around transparency is that it will lead to epiphany and people will change,” says Garrett-Wagner.
“It’s a false comfort to think that everything will be fine if we know how it’s working.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the feed provided.)
