Main topic: X (formerly known as Twitter) throttling traffic to websites disliked by Elon Musk.
Key points:
1. X slowed down access to websites including The New York Times, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Reuters, and Substack.
2. These websites have been publicly attacked by Musk in the past.
3. The delays potentially affected the traffic and ad revenue of these companies.
Hint on Elon Musk: Musk has previously blocked links to competitors, called the New York Times "propaganda," and took away their verification check mark. He has also feuded with Mark Zuckerberg and threatened a cage fight.
### Summary
đą Social media company X, owned by Elon Musk, is removing the block feature that allows users to restrict specific accounts, sparking controversy and concerns about user safety.
### Facts
- đ« Musk announced that X will eliminate the block feature, except for direct messages (DMs), favoring a "mute" function instead.
- đŁïž The mute function screens a user from seeing specified accounts but doesn't alert the other account.
- đ§Ș Researchers have discovered an increase in hate speech and antisemitic content on X since Musk acquired the platform.
- đ± Removing or limiting the block function may lead X to conflict with Apple and Google Play Store policies regarding user safety.
- đ€ X, Google, and Apple have not provided any comments on the matter.
- đ„ Linda Yaccarino, X's Chief Executive, defended Musk's decision in response to anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky's post, stating that they are building a better option and prioritizing users' safety.
- đ©âđŒ Musk will lead the product and engineering teams, while Yaccarino will lead all other teams, including legal and sales.
Elon Musk says Twitter will file a defamation lawsuit against the Anti-Defamation League, accusing them of falsely accusing him and the platform of being antisemitic and blaming them for Twitter's falling U.S. advertising revenue.
Elon Musk is engaging with white nationalists and antisemites on Twitter, supporting a campaign to ban the Anti-Defamation League from the platform.
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt criticizes Elon Musk for boosting the antisemitic #BanTheADL campaign and considering a lawsuit against the civil rights group, calling his behavior dangerous and irresponsible.
Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter led to multiple business decisions that violated the company's internal policies and likely ran afoul of a government order on data security and privacy, according to depositions from former employees published by the Justice Department in a court filing.
Elon Musk is threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League over claims that their statements about rising hate speech caused a significant decrease in advertising on the site, despite Musk's public statements and actions becoming increasingly unhinged.
The US government is seeking Elon Musk's testimony in an investigation into X (formerly known as Twitter), citing concerns about the company's ability to comply with the law and protect user privacy.
Elon Musk faces backlash and accusations of treason over his decision to deny Ukraine access to Starlink during their conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian public figures are criticizing Elon Musk for rejecting a request from the Ukrainian military to re-activate his satellite communications system, with some accusing him of being selfish, ignorant, and even an alien. The controversy has damaged Musk's image in Ukraine and led to concerns over relying on one individual for important resources like Starlink.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Elon Musk to condemn antisemitism and find a way to combat it on his social media platform X, during a meeting at a Tesla factory in California.
Elon Musk received anonymous text messages urging him to acquire Twitter and a lawsuit against him reveals that many of his actions since purchasing the platform align with the recommendations outlined in the messages, including his attacks against the Anti-Defamation League.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, seeking to compel him to testify in their investigation into his purchase of Twitter and his public statements about the company.
Elon Musk recommended following notorious accounts that promote false information on social media, amidst the ongoing conflict between Gaza Strip militants and Israel, raising concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Elon Musk has been warned by a European regulator about the proliferation of illegal content and disinformation on X (formerly known as Twitter) during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with potential fines of up to 6% of the company's annual revenue for non-compliance.
The European Union has warned Elon Musk that his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, is spreading illegal content and disinformation following the Hamas attacks on Israel, urging him to update content enforcement policies and remove violating content in a timely manner.
The European Union has given Elon Musk 24 hours to explain plans to combat the dissemination of illegal content and disinformation, particularly Hamas videos, on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, warning of potential penalties if he fails to respond.
The European Union has warned Elon Musk to remove violent and terrorist content from X (formerly Twitter) or potentially face investigations and penalties under the Digital Services Act.
Australian regulator fines Elon Musk's social media platform X $386,000 for failing to cooperate with an anti-child abuse probe, dealing a blow to a company struggling with advertiser complaints about lax content moderation.
Elon Musk is considering blocking X in Europe as a response to the platform's significant problem with disinformation, despite receiving a letter from the European Union outlining their legal obligations regarding the removal of illegal content.
Elon Musk's social media platform, X, is testing a $1 annual subscription feature called "Not A Bot," raising concerns that charging a fee for access could hinder countering disinformation and limit free speech.
X owner Elon Musk will need to comply with EU law and address illegal content on the platform, according to EU's digital chief VÄra JourovĂĄ, who emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations for continued business in the region.
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter and transformed it into an "everything app," users have experienced a shift in the platform's purpose, from a trusted news source to a more combative and censored environment, with a decline in user engagement and the loss of serendipitous moments.
