The Federal Trade Commission is stepping up its investigation into some of Twitter’s most controversial decisions since Elon Musk took over the company last fall. That includes the company’s mass layoffs and the launch of Twitter Blue, as well as the company’s dealings with journalists involved with the so-called “Twitter Files,” according to a new report in The Wall Street Journal.
At issue, is Twitter’s 2022 settlement with the FTC over its use of “deceptive” ad targeting. Along with a $150 million fine, the company at the time agreed to a “comprehensive privacy and information security program,” as well as other strict measures meant to protect users’ privacy. But there’s been widespread concern from lawmakers and others that Twitter has not adhered to those requirements under Musk’s leadership.
Now, The Wall Street Journal reports that the FTC has sent at least a dozen letters to Twitter since last fall in an effort to get more information about the…
2023-03-07 18:35:39
Source from www.engadget.com
As the founder and CEO of several high-profile companies including Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk is known for his bold and often controversial statements on Twitter. However, his recent management of Twitter Blue, a subscription-based service that offers exclusive features to users, has come under scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The FTC is investigating Musk’s handling of the “Twitter Files,” which are reportedly confidential user data obtained through Twitter Blue. According to sources familiar with the matter, Musk has been accused of misusing this data to gain a competitive advantage for his other companies.
This investigation has raised questions about Musk’s management of Twitter Blue and the potential risks associated with giving a single individual control over such sensitive information. Some experts suggest that Musk’s conflicts of interest in overseeing both Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his outspoken social media presence, make him a poor candidate for managing Twitter Blue.
In addition to concerns over conflicts of interest, there are also worries about the potential misuse of user data by individuals or companies outside of Twitter’s security protocols. The FTC’s investigation highlights the need for robust data protection measures and stricter regulations governing the use of user data by companies.
Several industry experts have weighed in on the matter, including former FTC Chairman William E. Kovacic, who stated that the investigation represents a “potential conflict between Musk’s roles as Twitter’s CEO and his other corporate interests.”
Twitter has also commented on the situation, stating that they are cooperating fully with the FTC’s investigation and taking steps to improve security measures around confidential user data.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s management of Twitter Blue and the “Twitter Files” is now under scrutiny from the FTC. While Musk’s bold style and innovative vision have brought him success in business, his management of Twitter Blue raises concerns about conflicts of interest and data protection. The investigation highlights the need for stricter regulations around user data and the importance of ensuring that companies uphold the highest standards of data protection.
