The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has escalated its investigation into the technology giant X Corp, formerly known as Twitter, concerning the company’s apparent negligence in handling privacy and security measures. The FTC’s deeper probe follows a 2022 settlement, under which Twitter agreed to enforce stringent data protection protocols. However, under Elon Musk’s leadership, the company seems to have lost its way.
Elon Musk’s track record with X hasn’t been the best since he took control of the company
Documents recently made public by the Department of Justice (DoJ) indicate that Musk’s management style has created what they describe as a “chaotic environment.” The disorder reportedly hindered the company from meeting FTC obligations, including the rollout of Twitter Blue. Damien Kieran, Twitter’s former chief privacy officer, noted that the feature was launched hastily, bypassing the company’s standard privacy and security reviews.
Moreover, Musk’s audacious attempts to provide a journalist with unmediated access to internal systems raised eyebrows among long-serving employees. While they managed to intervene in time, the incident adds another layer of scrutiny to Musk’s controversial governance.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation involves the relocation of company servers. Contrary to X Corp’s standard policy requiring servers to be wiped clean before being moved, this crucial step was overlooked, say former employees. These issues have led to a significant workforce reduction, particularly affecting departments responsible for ensuring FTC compliance.
Elon Musk has dismissed the FTC investigation as politically motivated, arguing that it amounts to the “weaponization of a government agency.” Lawyers for X Corp are resisting Musk’s deposition, though the FTC insists on his direct involvement in what they describe as a “fundamental transformation” of the company.
These allegations underscore a critical issue: how much influence is too much for a single leader? With the FTC tightening its grip, Musk’s approach may be put to the ultimate test. X Corp has yet to comment officially on the matter, leaving stakeholders in anticipation as the regulatory body deliberates.
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(Via)
