IBM has suspended all advertising on X/Twitter after discovering that its ads appeared next to pro-Nazi posts. This decision came in response to Elon Musk's endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory on X/Twitter and his controversial comments about white people [5132d98f]. The suspension of ads by IBM adds to the growing concerns about X/Twitter's decline in value and safety issues since Musk took over the platform [5132d98f]. X/Twitter, under Musk's ownership, is already facing an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following a complaint filed by Check My Ads, an organization that aims to demonetize conservatives [5132d98f]. Check My Ads alleges that X/Twitter engages in deceptive advertising practices and lacks transparency regarding paid advertising on the platform [5132d98f]. The organization is urging the FTC to fine X/Twitter for violations of a 2022 administrative order related to privacy and deceptive advertising [5132d98f]. This investigation, along with the suspension of ads by IBM, is likely to complicate X/Twitter's efforts to retain advertising agencies and major brands [5132d98f].
The suspension of ads by IBM has raised concerns among Tesla investors and clients, with some considering selling their shares and cars [5132d98f]. X/Twitter's CEO, Linda Yaccarino, has emphasized the platform's efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination [5132d98f]. However, the incident has further damaged X/Twitter's reputation and is expected to impact the platform's ability to attract advertisers and retain users [5132d98f].
In addition to the FTC investigation and the suspension of ads by IBM, X/Twitter is also facing backlash from organizations concerned about the platform's moderation capabilities [5132d98f]. The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, has announced its departure from X/Twitter due to concerns about increasing hate and vitriol targeting the LGBTQ+ community [5132d98f]. The organization cited the lack of sufficient moderation capabilities on the platform as a reason for their decision to leave [5132d98f]. The Trevor Project's departure highlights the ongoing issue of hateful speech on X/Twitter, which has been a cause for concern since Musk emphasized his desire for 'free speech' on the platform [5132d98f]. X/Twitter has been facing user backlash and a decline in users since Musk acquired the platform, and the company has been trying to retain advertisers despite concerns about ads appearing alongside hateful content or misinformation [5132d98f].
A report by the Tech Transparency Project found that X offered paid services to U.S.-sanctioned entities, including Hezbollah leaders and Iranian and Russian state media [9ecf86e4]. The report suggests that X is engaging in financial transactions with these accounts, potentially violating U.S. sanctions [9ecf86e4]. X removed all of the cited accounts after the report was published [9ecf86e4]. Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner called for increased enforcement by the Treasury Department against the provision of online goods and services to sanctioned entities [9ecf86e4]. Representative Josh Gottheimer called on X to explain how it plans to stop platforming terrorist leaders, and for the Treasury Department to investigate X's financial involvement with known terrorists [9ecf86e4]. The Treasury Department did not comment on the report [9ecf86e4]. This report comes after a letter from Warner to Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen highlighting the department's failure to ensure sanctions compliance in Silicon Valley [9ecf86e4]. X and other platforms have faced criticism for not removing or profiting off groups sanctioned by the U.S. government and its allies [9ecf86e4]. In 2019, lawmakers called on X to suspend accounts linked to Hezbollah and Hamas, and in 2020, Representative Michael McCaul called for an investigation into X's violation of U.S. sanctions [9ecf86e4]. The report adds to the pressure on the Treasury Department to increase enforcement against tech companies [9ecf86e4].
Campaigners claim that X took money from terrorists, including Hezbollah, for verification 'blue ticks' [a160ce8a]. The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) identified 28 accounts associated with terrorist or sanctioned groups that had the verification mark [a160ce8a]. X, the company formerly known as Twitter, has required accounts to pay a monthly or annual subscription to be verified since last April [a160ce8a]. The TTP argues that this practice may violate US sanctions [a160ce8a]. X removed verification from all of the identified accounts and suspended an account for an Iranian-sponsored militia [a160ce8a]. X stated that it has a secure approach to monetization and adheres to legal obligations [a160ce8a]. Elon Musk, the CEO of X, has recently vowed to limit content moderation on the platform to maximize free speech [a160ce8a].
A political analyst and social commentator, Jean Marie Bissoko, criticizes Twitter's action against blogger Rumani after a satirical comment against the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen. Bissoko points out the unequal treatment of similar offenses and suggests a possible tacit endorsement of discriminatory practices by the DA. The incident raises questions about the DA's commitment to equality and freedom of expression in South Africa [ae52f666].
The combination of these recent developments, including the FTC investigation, the suspension of ads by IBM, the departure of The Trevor Project, the criticism of Elon Musk's ownership of X/Twitter, the allegations of accepting money from terrorists for verification, and the controversy surrounding Twitter's action against blogger Rumani, paints a troubling picture for the platform [5132d98f] [8a9ed390] [9ecf86e4] [a160ce8a] [ae52f666]. The article from Moment Magazine criticizes Musk's ownership of X/Twitter, now called X, and argues that it is time to leave the platform due to its enabling of hate speech, propaganda, and antisemitism [8a9ed390]. The author highlights how Hamas-generated videos were posted by verified accounts on X, and how Musk's business model profits from sharing grotesque and incendiary content [8a9ed390]. The article also mentions Musk's elimination of X's Trust and Safety team, his endorsement of right-wing propaganda, and his algorithm promoting disturbing content [8a9ed390]. The author calls for advertisers and users to stop supporting Musk and his platform [8a9ed390].