Concerns over ‘free speech’, sustainability as world’s richest Elon Musk acquires Twitter

*As rights activists expect an Elon Musk regime will mean ‘less moderation’ and reinstatement of banned ‘hate speech’ individuals, Twitter Chief Executive Officer Parag Agrawal Monday, April 25 also expressed concerns that future of the global tech giant is ‘uncertain’ after the $44billion cash deal with the billionaire businessman

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

There were obvious cheers among key stakeholders Monday, April 25, 2022, as Twitter Incorporated agreed to accept a $44billion takeover bid from Elon Musk, giving the world’s richest person control of the social media establishment once the deal closes.

ConsumerConnect gathered the new development was regarded as “a watershed moment” for the 16-year-old firm, which rose to become one of the world’s most influential public squares but now faces a slew of obstacles.

Musk clinched a deal to buy Twitter for $44billion cash in a transaction that would  shift control of the micro-blogging site and frontline social media platform populated by millions of users and global leaders to the world’s richest person.

Hitherto, Musk who had criticised Twitter’s moderation, and once called himself a free speech absolutist, said that Twitter’s algorithm for prioritising tweets should be public.

He equally frowned on the company’s giving too much power on the service to corporations that advertise on the plaftorm.

Less moderation and reinstatement of banned ‘hate speech’ individuals?

However, political activists now expect that a Musk regime will mean less moderation and reinstatement of banned ‘hate speech’ individuals, including former United States President Donald Trump.

It was learnt as conservatives cheered the prospect of fewer controls of the Big Tech,  some human rights activists have voiced fears of a rise in hate speech in years to come.

Musk in a statement had tweeted: “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated.”

Parag Agrawal, Chief Executive of Twitter, @paraga Tuesday, April 26, 2022, also stated that “Twitter has a purpose and relevance that impacts the entire world.

“Deeply proud of our teams and inspired by the work that has never been more important.”

CEO Agrawal’s concerns

Twitter Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Parag Agrawal Monday as well informed the employees of the global tech tech giant that the future of the social media firm is uncertain after the deal to be taken private under billionaire Elon Musk closes.

The company’s CEO was speaking during a company-wide town hall meeting, ETTech report said.

Discussions over the acquisition deal, which recently appeared uncertain, accelerated over the last weekend after Musk wooed Twitter shareholders with financing details of his offer.

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