Lire : What will Elon Musk’s Twitter look like?
Elon Musk, also CEO of electric car maker Tesla and aerospace group Space X, “is known to have long criticized Twitter’s content moderation policies and has regularly called for the social network to be less regulated”writes the Federation in a press release.
“Musk’s takeover of Twitter, which has more than 400 million users worldwide, means it will now be owned by one person instead of multiple shareholders”emphasizes the IFJ which is concerned regarding this concentration of power.
Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, which has more than 400 million users worldwide, means it will now be owned by one person instead of multiple shareholders.The International Federation of Journalists.
She criticizes in particular the will of Elon Musk to“authenticate” all users of the social network, believing that the lack of anonymity “would seriously jeopardize the protection (…) of many journalists and sources around the world” who take risks by confronting powerful interests.
And authenticate all real humans
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 21, 2022
The IJF also fears less moderation of content which might “increasing misinformation and threatening quality journalism”.
A concern also expressed by Emmanuelle Patry founder of the Social Media Lab. This takeover constitutes a “risk for democracy” according to Emmanuelle Patry.
“Twitter is an extension of the journalists’ office. It is where they promote their work, express ideas or find sources of information. This space must be duly moderated, while respecting freedom of expression It’s a delicate balance that any Twitter owner has to be careful regarding.”says IJF General Secretary Anthony Bellanger, quoted in the statement.
“We’re concerned that Elon Musk’s plans for Twitter are headed in the wrong direction by heightening opportunities to attack journalists and threatening users’ anonymity.”he adds.
The secretary general of the organization, Ricard Guitterrez adds that “The billionaire has never shied away from using Twitter in the past to manipulate information, influence market prices and control media coverage of his affairs. We have every reason to believe he will tighten his influence on the network for its benefit, without regard for the public interest. It is time to regulate the ownership of the media and social networks so as to balance the concentration of powers which is dangerous for pluralism, public debate and democracy.
