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Indonesia Threatens to Block X (Formerly Twitter) Over Adult Content Policy

Anubhav — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:26:47 +0000

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is facing potential trouble in Indonesia once again. This time, the controversy centers around X’s recent policy change allowing adult content on the platform.

X previously introduced a new policy permitting the posting of adult content

Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, has threatened to shut down access to X if it doesn’t comply with the country’s 2008 Pornography Law. This law strictly prohibits the dissemination of pornographic material.

Earlier this month, X officially introduced a new policy permitting the posting of adult content, as long as users employ content warnings. The company’s stance emphasizes user autonomy, stating their belief that “adults should be able to engage with and create content reflecting their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality.” This includes “AI-generated, photographic or animated content such as cartoons, hentai, or anime.”

Minister Setiadi has issued a warning letter to X, outlining the potential consequences of non-compliance. The government plans to send further communications before making a final decision. Notably, X owner Elon Musk has reportedly not responded to these warnings. X itself has also not yet commented on the situation.

Indonesia has a well-documented history of cracking down on internet pornography. In 2014, the country banned Vimeo after accusing the platform of hosting videos containing nudity. Similar bans have been imposed on Tumblr, Reddit, and Imgur. Between 2016 and 2023 alone, Indonesia blocked nearly 2 million websites believed to contain pornographic material. X’s new policy has also drawn attention and potential challenges in Malaysia, another country with strict internet content regulations.

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How MKBHD held dBrand Accountable for an Offensive Tweet

Anubhav — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 01:20:36 +0000

Popular tech Youtuber Marques Brownlee, known for his channel MKBHD, recently paused his partnership with phone case/skin company dbrand after a social media exchange.

dBrand has a history of being funny on X, but they took it a little far this time.

The situation began when a customer posted about an issue with a dbrand product. dbrand responded with a now-deleted tweet deemed offensive by a lot of users on X. This is a part of dBrand’s online social media presence. While the company has a history of using humor on social media, this instance crossed a line. Below is a screenshot of the original tweet.

Now MKBHD and dbrand are in the eyes of a lot of tech enthusaists. They both have a total of 8.5 million followers between them. A public scenario such as this always gets attention, and that’s exactly what happened. People started leaving harsh comments towards dbrand, many of them saying that they will never support dbrand again because of that insensitive comment. For instance, a user said, and we quote, “Poking fun at customers and being racist are two completely different things. Seems like the going price of being racist is $10,000”. Another user wrote, “Still very toxic of you to act this way in the first place. Hard to earn respect, easy to lose it.” You might be thinking – is it that big of a deal? Read on to judge for yourself.

Now what exactly happened was, the tweet (in the image above) also represented dbrand in bad taste because the victim account was an Indian guy. You can see how their joke comes across in a big online space, that is X.

The company doesn’t even refrain from using cusses and insults towards even their most loyal customers, so it’s easy to see why the victim got caught in the line of fire.

Facing public backlash, dbrand issued a two-part response. Initially, they apologized directly to the customer and offered a sizable amount of money, but ultimately, defended their overall social media strategy. Marques clearly saw this tweet and wasn’t exactly impressed. He wrote a couple of detailed paragraphs where he straight up announced that he would stop working with dbrand because of this whole fiasco. He also talked about the harm caused by the original tweet and called for a more sincere apology reflecting on their actions. These are the tweets that dbrand and MKBHD posted, and its clear that it this point, everyone was taking it seriously.

dbrand responded positively, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and agreeing to remove the offensive tweet. MKBHD responded shortly, commending the company’s willingness to learn and adapt, indicating a restored working relationship. It’s interesting to note that MKBHD is probably dbrand’s biggest source of customers, so if this went a different route, the company’s revenue would’ve definitely taken a hit, no doubt.

Also, props to Marques for taking a stand almost immediately after this happened. It doesn’t matter if it came from a place of a moral standpoint or he simply wanted to keep a squeaky clean PR on his YouTube brand – the company that started this ordeal was held accountable by a big influencer. The consequences were quick, and the recovery was quicker. Hopefully dbrand doesn’t give up its humor, but moderates it in the future.

This incident is a reminder of how important public images are these days. Since consequences of actions on social media have escalated, companies can’t tread as lightly. While humor can be a marketing tool, companies must be aware of potential rebuttals and be prepared to adapt.

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NSFW Communities are Coming to X, New Report States

Anubhav — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 01:17:23 +0000

X, formerly Twitter, is embracing adult content in a major way. Censorship has always been tricky since this platform was purchased by Elon Musk for a hefty $44 billion sum. This news comes after researchers discovered plans for NSFW (not safe for work) communities being tested on the platform.

Community Admins will be able to designate their groups as “Adult Content”

Adult content has always been present on X, with sex workers and adult content bots being a common sight. Internal documents even revealed that roughly 13% of all posts contained NSFW content, making it one of the fastest-growing genres. To accommodate this existing trend, X is now allowing Community admins to designate their groups as “Adult Content.” This prevents their content from being automatically filtered, which will be the default for all NSFW content on X’s Communities going forward.

This move aligns with X’s overall plan to make Communities a key feature for user growth. CEO Elon Musk has emphasized the importance of Communities, highlighting its rapid user base increase and the addition of new features like incorporating external user feeds.

The potential benefits of successful Communities are two-fold: X could compete with established forum sites like Reddit, and the user-generated content could serve as training data for Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. Beyond the NSFW label, X is also rolling out a wave of updates to Communities. These include improved moderation tools, sorting options for posts, a dedicated Media tab for Android users, and the ability to explore trending content and discover new communities by topic.

Looking ahead, X plans to further enhance user discovery with features like promoting Communities on the For You tab and allowing moderators to access analytics and pin member posts. Additionally, audio chat rooms (Spaces) within Communities and user interface improvements are also on the horizon. While X hasn’t provided specific release dates for upcoming features, this flurry of updates suggests a move towards making Communities a central feature for X.

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Former Twitter CEO Sue Elon Musk for $128 Million, Adding to Post-Acquisition Scandals

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:05:05 +0000

After Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, a string of scandals continues to unfold. The company has already changed its name and logo, introduced a paid subscription model, strained relations with major advertisers like Apple, faced accusations of antisemitism, entered financial distress leading to legal actions, and is now hit with a blow from former Twitter executives. Four ex-company executives are suing Elon Musk for $128 million, claiming unpaid severance following widespread layoffs. Here are the details…

Former Twitter CEO and Executives Sue Elon Musk for $128 Million in Unpaid Severance

When Elon Musk acquired Twitter, one of his first actions was to cut costs. The company parted ways with numerous employees at various levels for this purpose. However, this decision turned out to be a headache for Musk because four former Twitter (X) executives filed a lawsuit claiming over $128 million in unpaid compensation against the company and its owner, Elon Musk.

Notably, one of these individuals is the former CEO of the company. In the lawsuit filed on Monday in the California federal court, Parag Agrawal, the former CEO of X, along with CFO Ned Segal, Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde, and General Counsel Sean Edgett, alleged that Musk deliberately failed to fulfill their compensation rights.

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, it’s just one of the many lawsuits that have been filed against the eccentric billionaire. It seems that no matter what the crazy billionaire does, he can’t escape legal action. Moreover, these are quite serious allegations.

For instance, the unpaid $10 million compensation could turn into a much larger penalty for Musk as a result of the lawsuit. When these and similar situations are combined with the already dwindling market value of Twitter, it could potentially drop the billionaire businessperson much lower in the list of the world’s richest.

Terrorists Sneak onto X (Formerly Twitter) with Purchased Blue Checks

Anubhav — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 02:09:59 +0000

The question of how social media platforms manage user verification has always been a hot topic, but rarely taken very seriously. However, a recent investigation by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) might just change that. It has brought to light a concerning issue: the sale of premium subscriptions on X (formerly Twitter) to individuals and organizations that are under US sanctions, including members of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

X, formerly known as Twitter let 28 sanctioned accounts buy blue checkmarks

The TTP report uncovered that under Elon Musk‘s paid verification scheme, 28 accounts associated with sanctioned entities received checkmarks, effectively bypassing the restrictions meant to bar them from such privileges. Among those verified were high-profile figures and organizations, highlighting a significant oversight in X’s vetting process. The platform, which has been a cornerstone for global communication, finds itself at the center of a debate on the responsibility social media companies bear in policing their services against misuse by sanctioned or potentially harmful entities.

This issue isn’t just about a failure to filter out ineligible users; it’s a question of the role of social platforms in the broader context of national security and public safety. The Supreme Court’s ruling last year, which absolved Twitter of responsibility for a terrorist attack’s abetment, underscores the complexity of attributing liability to social networks. However, the case of selling verification to sanctioned parties is a different matter, raising concerns over the direct financial transactions with entities that are legally barred from such dealings in the US.

X’s response to the TTP’s findings was to remove most of the verifications after the fact, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach to compliance with sanctions laws. This situation sheds light on the broader challenges social media platforms face in balancing open access with the need to prevent their tools from being exploited by actors with potentially harmful intentions.

The incident calls for a clear reassessment of verification processes and more rigorous enforcement of policies that prevent sanctioned entities from benefiting from social media services. As the digital landscape becomes more diverse, so does the responsibility of platforms to ensure they are not facilitating risky activities in any form.

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Social Media Giants Meta, TikTok, and X Under Fire for Failing to Shield Kids

Anubhav — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 02:00:22 +0000

Recent U.S. Senate hearings put the spotlight on the pressing issue of child safety online, dragging CEOs from major social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X into the hot seat. The emotional testimonials from parents and children, detailing exploitation and harm, set a grave tone for the proceedings. Lawmakers and children’s advocates argue that these tech behemoths are not doing nearly enough to protect young users from the darker facets of social media, including bullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful content.

The testimonials from parents and children set a grave tone at the proceedings

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s session revealed a stark reality: the very design and operational choices of these platforms contribute significantly to the dangers faced by children online. Despite Mark Zuckerberg‘s apology to affected families and promises of continued investment in safety measures, skepticism remains high. The exchange between Zuckerberg and Senator Josh Hawley underscored a critical disconnect, highlighting the question of profit over safety.

Snapchat’s proactive stance, advocating for legal measures to hold platforms accountable, stands out as a beacon of hope. Yet, the collective voice of the industry seems hesitant, often defaulting to assurances of existing safety features rather than committing to substantial change.

This hearing, while showcasing a rare bipartisan agreement on the issue, also underlines the complex challenge of regulating a space as vast and varied as social media. The CEOs’ testimonies and the heart-wrenching stories of impacted families underscore the urgent need for a balanced approach that safeguards children without stifling the positive aspects of these platforms.

As debates over regulation and corporate responsibility continue, the clear consensus is that the status quo is unacceptable. The path forward demands not only technological solutions but a fundamental reevaluation of the role social media plays in the lives of the youngest members of society. The call for action is loud and clear: it’s time to prioritize the well-being of children in the digital age.

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Elon Musk reverts Twitter Changes, Restoring Automatic Link Titles After Users Dissatisfaction

Oğuz Çakır — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:22:00 +0000

Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter (X), continues to make changes. Some of these lead to significant alterations on the platform (such as the app’s name), while others appear as minor adjustments. However, one thing is certain – the renowned billionaire doesn’t always become users’ favorite with each move and may need to backtrack. For instance, recently, Twitter stopped displaying link titles, causing inconvenience. Following user complaints, the titles have now been automatically restored to links. Here are the details…

Twitter Changes, Restoring Automatic Link Titles After Users Dissatisfaction

X had recently stopped displaying the titles of links in their posts, causing users not to see the titles in the preview when sharing any website link. People had to manually add titles or write detailed explanations when making posts. However, X has taken a step back to put an end to these discussions and has started automatically restoring titles to links.

While it was thought that the company aimed for a more “clean” look when links lacked titles, both company accounts and many individual users were not pleased with this update. The main issue was that it wasn’t clear a link was present, and it didn’t capture users’ attention.Responding to these complaints, Elon Musk announced a reversal of this feature. Now, titles are automatically included in added links, and titles will be visible regardless of the size of the attached photos.

The main curiosity lies in whether these changes are effective or not. In fact, it’s possible to answer this question both with yes and no. For instance, short videos similar to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts undeniably brought some activity to Twitter. However, Musk’s other decisions overshadowed these small successes. We even mentioned recently that Twitter’s current value is 71% less than Musk’s purchase price.

Elon Musk’s Twitter (X) Now Worth 71% Less Than His Purchase Price

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:55:25 +0000

Elon Musk is undoubtedly one of the richest and most successful individuals in the world. As a billionaire who essentially created the electric vehicle market with Tesla, he’s also conquering space with SpaceX and Starlink. However, despite all these successful ventures, Musk is recently primarily associated with Twitter (X), which he acquired for $44 billion. Unfortunately, the platform, which is losing money left and right, is now worth 71% less than what Elon Musk bought it for. Here are the details…

X Now Valued at $12 Billion, Down 71% from Acquisition

If we were to say that Elon Musk hasn’t had a good night’s sleep since he took over Twitter, probably it wouldn’t be a lie. He’s constantly working on solving the platform’s biggest issue of monetizing. Of course, there are some mistakes happening in this process, and Musk isn’t responding very carefully to criticisms.

For example, recently the platform was accused of antisemitism. When asked about his thoughts on the matter, Musk used the expression “go f**k yourselves” regarding the advertisers. Of course, these responses have caused the new problems instead of resolving the current ones.

Many companies, including Apple, have terminated their advertising agreements with Twitter. Under Musk’s leadership, th company took some steps to prevent such issues and avoid dependence on advertising. For instance, Grok AI introduced features such as ad-free streaming and curated sharing through the X Premium subscription. However, this doesn’t seem to have worked, as the value of X continues to decline.

Fidelity, a mutual fund that initially supported Elon Musk’s purchase the X, reduced the platform’s value by 71.5%. This drop led to the platform being worth only 28.5% of its $44 billion acquisition value in 2022. Meanwhile, competitors like Meta and Snap experienced increased stock values, positioning themselves as safer advertising options compared to X.

Elon Musk Wants X to Replace Your Bank by the End of 2024

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 19:08:00 +0000

Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion, and within a year, the platform underwent significant, but largely disliked, changes. Firstly, the company introduced a paid subscription service. Shortly thereafter, it rebranded itself as “X,” a move that many felt stripped the platform of its identity, causing users to seek alternatives like Threads. However, Musk’s ambitions don’t stop here. The eccentric billionaire aims to transform X into a comprehensive platform for all financial services, potentially replacing traditional banks. Here are the details…

Elon Musk Gives X Employees One Year to Build the “Everything App”

Elon Musk wants X to become a one-stop shop for all financial needs, replacing traditional banks. He has given his employees a deadline of the end of 2024 to make this happen. Musk’s vision for X is to create a platform that can handle everything from sending money to friends and family to investing in securities. He wants X to be a place where people can manage their entire financial lives.

Musk has also said that he wants X to offer features that go beyond traditional banking services. For example, he has mentioned the possibility of offering high-yield money market accounts and checking accounts with no overdraft fees. Turning X into a financial hub is a ambitious goal, and it remains to be seen whether Musk will be able to achieve it. However, Musk has a track record of success in disrupting industries, so it’s certainly possible that he could shake up the banking industry with X.

There are already many different financial products and services available, so it’s not clear why people would need to switch to X. Musk will need to clearly articulate the benefits of using X over other financial platforms. Also X will need to obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from regulators in order to offer financial services. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Despite these challenges, Musk is confident that he can make X into a financial hub. He has said that he is willing to invest heavily in X and that he is committed to making it a success.

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Apple, IBM, Disney, and more pull ads from X over Musk’s antisemitic posts

Rajesh — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 06:51:52 +0000

Several major tech companies, including Apple, Disney, and Warner Bros Discovery, have paused their online advertising campaigns on X, formerly known as Twitter, after owner Elon Musk made an antisemitic remark on the platform.

The companies’ decision came in response to Musk’s reply to an X post that accused “Jewish communities” of pushing “hatred against whites.”

“You have said the actual truth,” Musk wrote.

You have said the actual truth
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 15, 2023

Major brands pull ads from X/Twitter over antisemitic posts

In response, Apple, and Disney have halted their X/Twitter ad campaigns, as first reported by Axios and The New York Times, respectively. Warner Bros Discovery, IBM, Paramount Global, and Lions Gate Entertainment have also suspended campaigns on the site.

An IBM spokesperson said that the company had “zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination” and that it had “immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation.”

The move comes as Musk faces growing criticism for his handling of X. Earlier this week, the site was accused of platforming antisemitism after it was revealed that ads from several major companies, including Apple and IBM, were being displayed next “to content that touts Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party.”

Musk has also been criticized by White House spokesman Andrew Bates, who said that Musk’s remarks were “unacceptable” and “hideous.” Bates also accused Musk of repeating “the lie behind the most fatal act of Antisemitism in American history.”

The suspension of advertising by several major companies is a significant blow to X’s finances. The site relies heavily on advertising revenue, and the loss of these advertisers could have a major impact on its bottom line.

The controversy surrounding Musk’s remarks is just the latest in a string of controversies that have plagued X since Musk took over the company in October 2022. Musk has been accused of everything from firing employees without cause to reinstating the accounts of banned users.

It remains to be seen whether Musk will be able to weather this latest storm, but it is clear that his behavior is having a serious impact on X’s reputation and business.

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Elon Musk Plans to Integrate New AI Project ‘Grok’ with X

Anubhav — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:06:45 +0000

Elon Musk recently announced the launch of its AI named Grok. It seems like he will be mixing his new AI project with his social media network. The AI is smart and can chat with users on the platform, aiming to make conversations more fun and helpful, hopefully.

Grok just hit the market, so only time will tell if it’s a capable AI

Grok was first given to some users last Friday and stands out because it can pull up information quickly from Musk’s social media service. Musk thinks this AI can outdo others by giving better answers, faster.

He’s been open about his issues with how big companies handle AI, calling his own AI “maximum truth-seeking.” This means he wants his AI to dig deep and be more open than what’s out there now, like Google‘s or Microsoft‘s versions. Musk has big ideas about AI. He told the UK’s Prime Minister that AI is going to change everything, even jobs. He thinks soon AI could do so much that the jobs we know today might not be needed. There’s a strong controversy surrounding AI, and even Elon Musk must be aware of its impact on the job scenario.

This step is just the latest in Musk’s long history with AI. Even though he helped start OpenAI, which made the well-known ChatGPT, he left that board in 2018. Now, he’s focused on making his social media smarter with Grok.

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X launches new Basic and Premium+ subscription tiers, starting at $3 per month

Rajesh — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 06:22:17 +0000

X, the social media messaging platform formerly known as Twitter, has introduced two new premium tiers: Premium+ and Basic.

The Premium+ tier, which costs $16 per month or Rs 1,300 per month, offers an ad-free experience, the largest reply boost, and access to other creator tools.

we’re also launching a new Basic tier for $3/month (when signing up via Web) that gives you access to the most essential Premium features
— Premium (@premium) October 27, 2023

The Basic tier, which costs $3 per month or Rs 243.75 per month, does not include the blue checkmark but does offer basic features like the ability to edit posts and post longer text and videos. It also offers a small reply boost.

These new plans are also available as yearly subscription options at a 12% discount. Subscriptions can be purchased through the X website or as in-app purchases inside the X app for iPhone and iPad, although the latter option costs 30% more to account for Apple’s commission.

The new tiers join the standard X Premium tier, which costs $8 per month and gives users a blue checkmark, prioritized ranking in replies, bookmark folders, longer posts, text formatting, themes, SMS two-factor authentication, encrypted DMs, and more.

The launch of the new premium tiers is part of Elon Musk’s efforts to monetize X more effectively. Musk acquired X in October 2022 for $44 billion. Since then, he has added several new features to the platform, including livestreaming, and video and audio calls, and is even planning to incorporate banking.

X Users can Now Communicate with Fellow Users via Audio and Video Calls

Anubhav — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 01:47:20 +0000

X, which many remember as Twitter, has added a new feature: audio and video calls. This wasn’t a complete surprise. Linda Yaccarino, the CEO, mentioned this change in August. The goal seems clear: under Elon Musk, X wants to offer more and more features in one app.

This feature might need some tweaking before it becomes perfect to use

When you open the app now, you might see a message saying “Audio and Video calls are here!” For those who like to call directly, this could be good news. But there’s a detail that’s causing concern. The call feature is turned on by default. If you don’t want people from X calling you, you have to go to the settings in your Direct Messages and turn it off. There’s a small gear symbol that shows you where to do this. You can also choose who can call you: maybe only verified accounts or just your followers.

However, X has had some problems in the past, especially with keeping things peaceful for everyone. This makes people worry about the new call feature being on by default. If you don’t know about this feature and suddenly get a call from someone you don’t want to talk to, that’s not a good feeling.

X’s new feature might be trying to offer more to its users. But the way it’s been added might not be the best choice. It’s important that features make things easier for users, not harder or confusing. Only time will tell how this turns out for the users, but considering X’s track record, users will always be skeptical of the update at first. What do you think? Does it seem like an update you would be interested in? Share with us in the comments below.

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Mission to Destroy Twitter: Elon Musk Wants You to Pay $1 to Tweet

Oğuz Çakır — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:47:23 +0000

Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion, and within a year, the platform had undergone dramatic changes, most of which were unpopular. First, the company introduced a paid subscription service. Soon after, it changed its name and logo to “X.” This transformation, which many felt was a loss of identity, drove users towards alternatives like Threads. Thankfully, the company managed to maintain its user count. However, Elon Musk then made a decision that made it seem like he was on a mission to destroy Twitter. The mad billionaire, started charging new users $1 per year to send tweets. Here are the details…

Elon Musk’s $1 Twitter Fee: Is It the End of the Platform?

As you may know, aside from its X Premium subscription, joining the platform formerly known as Twitter used to be free. In order to do that, all you needed to do was verify your membership with a phone number. However, this is changing. X has begun charging new users in New Zealand and the Philippines an annual fee of $1. By paying this fee, you can access X’s primary features, including posting tweets, retweeting, liking posts, and responding to them.

If you do not pay the fee, you will only be able to read posts, watch videos, and follow accounts. You will not be permitted to use any other Twitter features. In short, there’s a version of Twitter that views itself as a digital platform, solely presenting the tweets of the people you follow. Twitter and Musk stated that the reason for charging fees is solely to prevent spam, harmful content, and manipulations.

Additionally, new accounts will need to verify their phone numbers, but Mr. Musk mentioned that creating “read-only” accounts without basic features will still be free. In short, if you only enjoy refined pleasures like reading tweets and watching videos, Twitter will likely remain free for you indefinitely. However, if you can’t resist tweeting, you might eventually have to pay $1 to continue using Twitter.

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Elon Musk’s X is Now Charging New Users $1 a Year to Post Tweets

Anubhav — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:21:10 +0000

As of October 17, 2023, X (formerly Twitter) has been testing the waters with two big changes: a new $1 per year subscription model and a stricter policy for its crowd-sourced fact-checking tool. While the changes seem to aim for quality control and revenue generation, they also raise some crucial questions about accessibility and credibility.

X seems like it wants the platform users to fact-check unreliable tweets

The subscription model, called “Not a Bot,” has been introduced for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines. The service, costing about a dollar a year, can appear as a negligible amount to some, but it might also act as a barrier for free speech. Charging even a nominal fee for a platform traditionally open to everyone risks alienating those who can’t or won’t pay.

Similarly, X has been scrambling to put a lid on the spread of misinformation by tweaking its crowd-sourced fact-checking tool. Volunteer contributors now have to back their claims with sources. However, with no set guidelines for what counts as a credible source, this change could be a double-edged sword. Given the on-going Israel–Hamas conflict and the circulation of false information, the importance of unbiased fact-checking has never been higher. But what happens when the fact-checkers themselves become conduits for misinformation?

To make matters even murkier, the company has cut staff responsible for curating reliable information and eliminated certain tools designed to report misinformation. It appears X may be shifting the responsibility of fact-checking onto its users, without giving them the tools to do so effectively.

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Elon Musk’s X Faces a Wake-Up Call in Australia on Child Safety Measures

Anubhav — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 01:55:07 +0000

Elon Musk‘s rebranded social media giant, X, has been slapped with a A$610,500 fine by Australia’s e-Safety Commission for not cooperating in an inquiry related to anti-child abuse practices. The fine might appear small change for Musk, who paid a whopping US$44 billion to acquire the platform. However, it raises significant concerns about the platform’s commitment to user safety.

People are stating that X needs to be more transparent with its users

The trouble started when X failed to address questions about its responsiveness and methods for detecting child abuse material. After taking over Twitter and turning it into X, Musk had declared that combating child exploitation was the company’s top priority. Still, the Australian regulator found X’s actions didn’t match its words.

Adding fuel to the fire is the EU’s ongoing investigation into X for potential violations of new tech laws. Accusations point to the platform’s weak effort to combat disinformation, notably related to the Hamas-Israel conflict.

The fine’s impact goes beyond monetary value; it deals a reputational blow to X at a time when advertisers are already skeptical. The platform has seen a continuous dip in revenue, and things might worsen if it doesn’t take effective measures for content moderation.

Julie Inman Grant, the e-Safety Commissioner, raised an important question. If X is genuinely committed to addressing illegal content, why isn’t it transparent in its actions? A lack of answers could indicate a lack of solutions, she suggested.

X’s Australian office was shut down post-acquisition, leaving no local representative to comment on the matter. If X doesn’t pay the fine, the e-Safety Commission can take the company to court. And the timing couldn’t be worse for X. They recently confirmed an 80% global workforce reduction and admitted their proactive detection measures had declined.

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Elon Musk’s ‘X’ is Now Redacting Headlines from Links Shared on the Platform

Anubhav — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:00:50 +0000

The platform formerly known as Twitter, now referred to as X, has started removing headlines and snippets from links shared on its site. Elon Musk, the website owner, said this would “greatly improve the platform’s aesthetics.” However, the change has not been uniformly embraced, with advertisers voicing their disapproval when previewed with the new look.

This might be a good way to improve the platform’s look, or there might be something bigger

The aim behind the format switch, according to X, is to make posts look more streamlined by allowing more of them to fit on your screen at one time. Another stated aim is to counter clickbait—a problem that has plagued the site for years. Headlines that sensationalize content could soon be a thing of the past.

While these reasons might seem straightforward, there’s a deeper narrative. Musk has long been advocating for long-form content to be posted directly on X. Under his tenure, Blue subscribers now enjoy a character limit of 25,000, and Musk has often tweeted urging journalists to “publish directly” on the platform. Recently, he even pushed for “more citizen journalism” on X, adding that live videos could be easily done from phones.

So is this just an aesthetic revamp, or is Musk subtly steering the ship towards a more controlled narrative, where news is not just skimmed but deeply engaged with? The change could certainly benefit those who prefer in-depth reading over headline grazing, but it also raises questions about how this might affect public discourse and the diversity of voices on the platform.

Only time will tell if this format change will become a win-win for all or if it’s an attempt to centralize the flow of information on X. Either way, the platform is changing, and how we engage with it might never be the same again.

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All X (Twitter) users may soon have to pay monthly to use the platform

Sean — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:18:16 +0000

X, formerly Twitter, might be making a drastic shift in its business model. A surprise statement from Elon Musk has hinted that the platform might shift to a paid subscription for all of its users. This could possibly be the most unpopular changes from the Tesla and SpaceX CEO so far.

Elon Musk wants to combat botting with paid subscription

During a recent live stream, Elon Musk was talking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he mentioned that X is preparing to shift a subscription only business model for all of its users. The billionaire added that a “small monthly payment for use of the X system” can help in dealing with the “vast armies of bots” on the microblogging website.

He further added, “Because a bot costs a fraction of a penny — call it a tenth of a penny — but even if (a bot maker) has to pay a few dollars, the effective cost of bots is very high.” Unfortunately, Elon hasn’t specifically mentioned how much the monthly subscription will cost when it rolls out. Although, it would likely be different from its current Premium plan.

Musk believes that this move would require bot makers to register a new payment method for each individual bot. In other words, it would make it a lot harder for people to create fake accounts on the platform. At the moment, this is all the information that was shared regarding this major shift, so stick around for more updates.

Elon Musk’s Leadership Style Under Fire as FTC Predicts “Chaos” at X, Formerly Twitter

Anubhav — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 02:58:15 +0000

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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Twitter hits decade low in downloads post “X” rebranding, a steep 30% drop in 60 days

Soumyakanti — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 09:54:24 +0000

Twitter, once the global hub for news and personal social updates, has faced a significant drop in download numbers since its controversial rebranding as “X” by Elon Musk. A startling report by Apptopia reveals that the social media giant’s downloads plummeted by almost 30% within two months of the rebranding, marking its lowest point in over a decade.

Elon Musk / Getty Images

The Downward Spiral: A Look at “X”‘s Declining Downloads

The web version, still accessible via twitter.com, also witnessed a decrease in traffic, with global visits down by 10% in August compared to the previous year.

Historically, Twitter boasted an addition of 15 to 30 million new users monthly since 2011. However, recent data indicates that “X” secured a mere 10 million users between August and September this year. This substantial drop contrasts the platform’s performance last year, where it experienced only an 18% decrease in downloads just before Musk’s acquisition.

The dwindling appeal of “X” doesn’t end with new downloads. The app has also suffered in terms of user retention. In July, the daily active users stood at a robust 253 million, which has now decreased to 249 million in September. A similar trend is noticeable in monthly active users, seeing a fall from 398 million to 393 million within the same time frame.

These figures are a setback for Musk, who has previously expressed ambitions of hitting 1 billion monthly users by 2024. While there was an initial surge in downloads and usage following Musk’s takeover in October, the momentum couldn’t be sustained.

Despite the concerning numbers, it’s essential to highlight Musk’s ambitious vision for the app. Since his acquisition, he has been vocal about molding “X” to mirror the multi-functionality of apps like “WeChat”. In line with this vision, new features such as video and voice calls will soon be integrated into the platform.

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X might be Displaying Unlabelled Ads to Users on its Platform

Anubhav — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 03:07:02 +0000

X, previously known as Twitter, is once again under scrutiny for not labeling ads on its platform. Users have spotted ads that don’t carry the typical “Ad” label, blurring the line between paid and organic content. This issue not only frustrates users but could also attract the attention of regulatory bodies like the FTC.

The company is going through a rough phase already, and this can further add to it

The silence from X has led to speculation about whether this is an intentional act or a technical glitch. Either way, the oversight raises questions about the platform’s commitment to transparency and could add to its ongoing challenges. Elon Musk, who now helms the platform, has already announced a 60% drop in ad revenue, blaming activist campaigns for the decline.

Transparency advocate Nandini Jammi, co-founder of the watchdog group Check My Ads, has been sharing examples of these unlabeled ads. Her group is encouraging users to report similar cases, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The lack of clear labeling could have a domino effect. It’s not just a user experience issue but could also dent advertiser trust. This comes at a time when the company has lost two key executives responsible for brand safety.

As X navigates these waters, the absence of a clear response on the unlabeled ads issue could be a telling sign of larger problems within the company. With dwindling ad revenue and a shaky executive team, this latest controversy could be a tipping point, forcing X to address its governance and operational issues more seriously.

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X is Now an AI Playground for Elon Musk to Mine User Data

Anubhav — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 03:54:24 +0000

The social media platform formerly known as Twitter, now called X, is not just about tweets and likes anymore. According to its updated privacy policy, X plans to collect biometric, job, and educational data from users. Why? To train artificial intelligence models, says owner Elon Musk.

X seems to have long term plans for creating new applications and integrations

Don’t worry about your private messages, though. Musk confirms that only public information will be used. But the question remains: Why does X need this data? Musk, who’s always been ambitious, recently launched an AI company, xAI, aiming to decipher the universe’s secrets. So it seems likely that your personal details could feed into this grand vision.

Another angle? Musk has talked about making X a “cool” alternative to Linkedin, which he calls “cringe.” With the new policy, collecting job and education data makes sense for this aim.

Sure, X could just sell the data; they’re not rolling in ad dollars. But there’s no evidence to support this. Unlike Twitter, which used data for its own growth, X seems to have grander plans.

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X Takes Aim at Impersonation, will soon Introduce New ID Verification

Anubhav — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:20:50 +0000

Elon Musk‘s X is stepping up the game in the fight against identity fraud. In the wake of ongoing impersonation issues, the company is now developing a new ID verification feature. As revealed by app researcher Nima Owji, the feature will require users to provide a copy of their government-issued ID and a selfie for verification.

Only time will tell if Elon Musk succeeds in this endeavor or it has a different outcome

The new feature marks a collaboration with third-party company Au10tix, known for providing identity intelligence services to giants like Google and PayPal. The information shared will be kept by both X and Au10tix, with biometric data stored for up to 30 days.

While this represents a significant move in combating impersonation on the platform, it’s not without challenges. The current verification system, offering verified status through X Premium subscriptions, has had its share of loopholes and exploited by scammers. Whether this new initiative will completely root out the problems remains an open question.

The alliance with Au10tix, and the specific methods X is employing, demonstrates a determined effort to enhance user security. It promises a swifter verification process, and possibly a more authentic online environment, but only time will tell if it achieves its full potential.

The unresponsiveness from X and Au10tix for comments adds an element of mystery to this feature, keeping users and analysts intrigued about what this could mean for the future of online security and community trust within the platform.

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X, Formerly Twitter, Rolls Out New “Highlights” Tab for Paid Users

Oğuz Çakır — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:24:43 +0000

Twitter is going through a fascinating change. For example, after Elon Musk bought it, the platform made several controversial decisions and the platform is now called “X”. This move might sees as a thrown away that almost 20 years of brand reputation. Even though there are constant criticisms, Musk doesn’t plan on stopping. Thankfully, not all his decisions are extreme, some of them is good. Now paid users get a new tab to showcase their posts with “Highlights” tab. Here are the details…

Paid X (Twitter) users can now showcase their best tweets with new “Highlights” tab

As you know, Twitter launched a subscription service called Blue not long ago. Nowadays, this service is also known as X Premium. For a monthly or yearly fee, you get various benefits. Some of the perks include more ads, the ability to edit tweets, and even a share of Twitter’s ad revenue. Now, there’s a new feature called the “Highlights” tab.

Twitter is a platform where new content always stands out. However, users have wanted a way to highlight important or popular tweets for a long time. The company introduced “pinned tweets” a few years ago. With this, users could display any tweet at the top of their profile, no matter its date. Still, this wasn’t enough for many people. The “Highlights” tab might be the solution they’re looking for.

I just added a highlights tab!

Gonna start putting all my blacksmithing work in there for everyone to see. pic.twitter.com/icVxMxfqb7
— Femboy Blacksmithing (@TheFemboyForge) August 6, 2023

The ‘Highlights’ tab lets paid members show their best posts to followers. It’s great for artists, writers, and reporters, or for sharing about a special topic or event. To use it, paid members tap the three dots on a post and pick “Add to Highlights”. They can decide where to put the post in the Highlights. In addition to the Highlights tab, X has also made TweetDeck a subscriber-only product. This is another move by the company to get more people to pay for its premium service.

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Elon Musk’s X is Apparently Slowing Down Links to Specific Websites, including Threads

Anubhav — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:08:58 +0000

Elon Musk seems to have pissed off some more people by apparently slowing down links to specific websites on the platform formerly known as Twitter, now referred to as X. Users have reported a consistent 5-second delay in loading certain high-profile sites, including The New York Times, Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, and Substack.

Big tech billionaires fulfilling personal vendettas through a global platform seems quite dystopian

This isn’t just a random glitch. The delay appears to be targeted at websites that Musk has previously been at odds with. Musk’s sharp criticisms and public attacks against these companies have been in the public eye, and this recent action seems to further that vendetta. For this to be a coincidence would be a far reach.

What’s puzzling is that there’s no clear explanation for this delay, aside from Musk’s personal issues with these platforms. New York Times and Substack have expressed concern over the deliberate delay, viewing it as a hostile act against them. Substack founders went on to criticize the action, reflecting on the unreliability of social media companies. The technicalities behind this delay remain unclear, and the move raises significant questions about the ethics of power over digital platforms. It paints a picture of an unpredictable online landscape where large corporations can manipulate user experience to settle personal scores.

The silence from X adds another layer to this development. It might lead one to wonder: in an age where social media platforms hold immense influence, should there be more accountability for those who control them? The answer may not be straightforward, but this situation serves as a stark reminder of complex power struggles.

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Elon Musk’s X is getting Sued by French News Agency over Publishing Rights

Anubhav — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 03:32:36 +0000

It seems like being the world’s richest person doesn’t come with a lot of breaks, as is apparent by Elon Musk and what he’s going through right now. Agence France-Presse (AFP), the French news agency, lodged a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s ‘X‘ social media platform, previously known as Twitter. The agency alleges that ‘X’ is not complying with its obligations under a French law, passed in 2019, to negotiate potential compensation for publishing news content. The legislation, referred to as “neighbouring rights”, mandates substantial online entities to initiate dialogue with publishers seeking recompense for their news. The AFP contends that ‘X’ is noticeably avoiding these mandated discussions.

Elon Musk resorted to his own platform, X, where he voiced his distaste regarding the lawsuit

In an official statement, the AFP voiced its anxiety: “Agence France-Presse has expressed its concerns over the clear refusal from Twitter (recently rebranded as ‘X’) to enter into discussions regarding the implementation of neighbouring rights for the press.”

Musk retorted to the accusations on his own platform, questioning the rationality of AFP’s demand. “This is bizarre. They want us to pay them for traffic to their site where they make advertising revenue and we don’t!?” Musk commented.

Despite requests, ‘X’ has not provided any public comment regarding the pending litigation.

This event has echoes from 2021 when Google, the tech giant, was fined a hefty 500 million euros by France’s antitrust watchdog for non-compliance with the very same law. Following this ruling, Google assented to resolve the dispute and has since confirmed agreements with AFP along with other prominent French news institutions. Facebook, now rebranded as Meta Platforms, also conceded to the law and has entered into contracts with several French publishers.

This lawsuit indicates a continued tension between news agencies and social media platforms over compensation for news content, which could greatly affect the landscape of news distribution in the digital age.

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X, Formerly Twitter, Demands that Advertisers Spend a Minimum of $1000 Per Month

Anubhav — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:10:51 +0000

Twitter, now known as X, is taking a tough stance on advertisers as part of its rebranding strategy to boost its revenue. Facing a concerning 50 percent drop in revenue, the company is implementing measures to increase its bottom line. According to The Wall Street Journal, X is demanding brands to spend a minimum of $1,000 per month on ads to maintain their verified status on the platform. This move comes as a response to combat the proliferation of scammers who create numerous fake accounts on the platform.

The company is facing a massive drop in Revenue, which will affect all departments

Elon Musk, the popular (and controversial) entrepreneur and Twitter user, defended the cost, stating that it serves as a deterrent against such malicious activities that are widespread these days. Alternatively, brands have the option to pay the same amount for the company’s verified organization badge. In an effort to attract more advertisers, X is also slashing prices on some of its advertising slots. The company is offering a generous 50 percent discount on all new bookings until July 31st, aiming to entice advertisers to capitalize on high-impact moments like sporting events, where they can significantly increase their reach.

While larger brands might find the $1,000 monthly expense manageable, the new approach could potentially hurt smaller businesses that lack the financial flexibility or the willingness to commit to this expense. This might lead to a disparity in the representation of businesses on the platform, favoring bigger players while hindering the growth and visibility of smaller enterprises.

The focus on advertisers may be essential to navigate through difficult times, but it also raises questions about the platform’s inclusivity and support for businesses of all sizes. It’ll be interesting to see if Twitter, or rather, X will emerge as a winner on the other side of this uphill battle.

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Here’s Why People in Indonesia Can’t Access the Rebranded Twitter Website

Anubhav — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:07:58 +0000

Elon Musk’s ambitious rebranding of Twitter as ‘X’ has encountered a major obstacle in Indonesia. The social media platform, now known as X, faced a block in the country due to its association with the domain X.com, which had previously hosted sites violating Indonesia’s strict laws against online pornography and gambling.

In the past, Netflix, Google, Facebook and others have avoided similar problems by complying with content regulations

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics confirmed the restriction and stated that they had communicated with representatives from Twitter to clarify the nature of the site. While Twitter assured the government that X.com would be used exclusively for their platform, this move left over 24 million Indonesian users unable to access the site. Indonesia’s total population stands at around 270 million.

Elon Musk‘s rebranding aimed to transform the platform into an “everything app,” extending its services beyond social networking to include payments and banking. However, the Indonesian authorities have a history of blocking or threatening to block websites deemed offensive, criminal, or harmful to social harmony. In the past, popular platforms like Netflix, Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter faced potential bans but managed to avoid them by complying with content regulations.

Regarding the X.com block, some analysts speculate that negative connotations associated with the name might have contributed to the decision. Aribowo Sasmito, co-founder of a fact-checking group, pointed out that the name X.com might be seen as resembling “XXX,” alluding to adult content. This issue raises a dilemma in Indonesia, where some people value freedom of expression, while others prioritize adherence to religious values as the country has the world’s largest Muslim population. Despite the block, internet users in Indonesia have found ways to circumvent censorship in the past. Changing domain names or URLs to bypass restrictions has been a common practice among site owners, undermining the effectiveness of such measures.

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The Twitter Bird Is No More: Elon Musk Unveils New Logo

Oğuz Çakır — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:51:23 +0000

Elon Musk’s relentless changes to Twitter are driving users away. The platform, led by the eccentric billionaire, is often in the news for its “innovations,” which is also often meet with backlash. The latest example was the tweet view limit. This feature, which drove many people crazy, eventually settled, but it led to a loss of trust and a search for alternatives. However, Musk is not done yet. He is determined to drive away even the remaining users, and he has now changed the Twitter logo. Here are the details…

Will Elon Musk’s Twitter Changes Drive Users Away?

Elon Musk is undoubtedly one of the most successful business people in history. Currently the richest person in the world, Musk owes his wealth to innovative ideas that were ahead of their time, such as SpaceX and Tesla. However, this does not mean that every idea he has is good.

Even so, if you are managing a billion-dollar social media platform and you are not accountable to anyone, there is nothing to prevent these ideas from being implemented, even if they are very bad. In this regard, Musk recently announced his decision to rebrand Twitter as X and get rid of the famous bird logo. Now, this announcement has become a reality.

As you can see, the iconic Twitter bird in the top left corner has been replaced with an “X” shaped logo. While there has not been a change in the mobile app yet, we will soon see the X instead of the bird logo there as well. Unfortunately, as expected, the new logo did not appeal to users. Many people saw it as a deletion of Twitter culture rather than a rebranding. It is a matter of wonder whether Musk will give up on the decision to change the Twitter logo after the reactions.

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Twitter will Soon Limit the Number of DMs Unverified Users can Send

Anubhav — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 02:17:59 +0000

As if Twitter rebranding itself wasn’t enough, the company has announced that it will soon limit the number of daily direct messages (DMs) for unverified accounts. This has sparked controversy among users yet again. The platform claims the decision is aimed at curbing the rising spam issue in DMs, but many see it as a means to passive-aggressively force users into subscribing to the Blue membership.

This move will either be a hook, line and sinker – or Twitter will soon revert this update

Introduced on July 14th, a new message setting was implemented by Twitter, segregating DMs from accounts users follow into their primary inbox and DMs from verified users they don’t follow into the message request inbox. This change resulted in a notable 70 per cent reduction in spam messages within a week. Prior to this, sending DMs to non-followers was limited to Blue subscribers only.

Critics argue that while the motive to reduce DM spam is understandable, the way Twitter has presented the update indicates a clear intention to encourage unverified users to opt for the paid Blue membership. The announcement explicitly urges users to “subscribe today to send more messages” and conveniently provides a link to the subscription page, fueling the perception of prioritizing profit over user satisfaction.

Interestingly, Twitter has been grappling with negative cash flow due to a substantial drop in advertising revenue, as highlighted by entrepreneur Elon Musk in a recent tweet. While subscription revenue might not entirely bridge this gap, it does offer an additional stream of income for the company.

Twitter’s push for more Blue memberships has raised concerns about inclusivity and accessibility for non-paying users. Striking a balance between financial viability and user experience is vital for the platform’s success as it navigates these changes.

While the move aims to tackle an ongoing issue, it also raises questions about the platform’s priorities and its potential impact on the user community. Achieving a balance between revenue generation and user satisfaction will be crucial as Twitter, or rather X, continues to evolve.

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Elon Musk to rebrand Twitter to X and get rid of the famous bird logo

Jeet — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 01:15:05 +0000

Ever since Elon Musk acquired the microblogging platform Twitter, the social network has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Now, the company is undergoing a change that may not sit well for many.

Elon Musk has announced that Twitter will be rebranded to X, getting rid of the iconic blue-colored bird logo. Instead of the current logo, the new one will only show the letter ‘X.’

Further, it has also been revealed that the URL x.com will redirect users to Twitter. This may be the most dramatic change coming to the social media platform since Musk acquired it last year.

This could be a step forward for the company towards the long-envisioned super app named X by Elon Musk to offer a wide range of services to the users. Last year, Elon Musk said that buying Twitter “is an accelerant to creating X, the everything all.” Similarly, Twitter’s new CEO Linda Yaccarino said that “X will be the platform that can deliver, well….everything.”

With major changes coming to the platform in a short period and Elon Musk trying to retool the platform to his vision, the platform is facing several issues. Recent significant changes to the platform include firing several top executives and employees, rolling back content moderation policies, restricting access for regular users, and more.

This is impacting business, as Musk himself admitted last week that the ad revenue at Twitter is down 50 percent. It remains to be seen whether rebranding helps the company or adversely impacts the business.

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Twitter Notes is Making a Comeback as Twitter Articles, Elon Musk Reveals

Anubhav — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 02:29:14 +0000

Twitter Notes was a unique feature introduced by Twitter to provide its users with a more private and concise way to share their thoughts and updates. It allowed users to compose short, text-based notes, limited to a certain character count, which were then shared exclusively with their followers. Unlike regular tweets, Twitter Notes were not visible on the public timeline or accessible through search. Fast forward, and Twitter Blue subscribers now enjoy a generous cap of 25,000 characters per tweet. But there’s a twist! Recently, Twitter’s CEO, Elon Musk, made a revelation – the company is rebranding the Notes feature to Twitter Articles.

Musk stated that the new feature can be even used to publish a book on Twitter

Musk’s confirmation came in response to a tweet discussing the name change, wherein he shared that Articles would become the designated space for sharing “long, complex articles with mixed media.” He even hinted that one could publish a book using this platform. This news has ignited curiosity among Twitter users, who are eagerly waiting to access long-form expression.

Initially introduced as Notes and limited to select users in certain regions, the feature aimed to enable longer, more nuanced posts. However, it seemed to have faded into the background amid Elon Musk’s takeover of the company. Now, after a fair amount of time period later, Twitter Articles seems to be making a comeback.

So, what sets Twitter Articles apart? Imagine a dedicated blogging space within the Twitter ecosystem, unrestricted by the conventional tweet’s brevity. Articles offer the freedom to craft in-depth narratives, complemented by the inclusion of photos, videos, and other embedded tweets. A separate section, distinct from the main timeline, ensures a focused and immersive reading experience, while published Articles prominently grace users’ Twitter profiles. As thrilling as this prospect sounds, it’s essential to remember that Articles will start out in the experimental phase, accessible only to a select group of users.

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Threads adopts Twitter-like rate limits to counter spam attacks

Soumyakanti — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:00:36 +0000

Instagram’s companion app, Threads, has introduced rate limits in response to increasing spam attacks, drawing comparisons to Twitter’s similar measures. Elon Musk amusingly called it a copycat move. Initially implemented temporarily on Twitter, the rate limits were later eased for Twitter Blue subscribers and verified accounts. Threads has not specified the duration of its rate limits yet.

Spam Attacks: A Growing Concern on Threads

CEO Adam Mosseri stated that while the move was prompted by a surge in spam attacks, Threads is ready to assist users facing limitations. However, comment spam has notably risen on Threads, with users reporting bot responses on almost half of their posts. This persistent issue threatens the app’s momentum, having achieved an impressive milestone of 100 million users within five days of its launch.

Threads’ challenges mirror those faced by Twitter, which imposed viewing limits following a severe outage caused by data scraping and system manipulation. Initially setting different limits for verified and unverified users, Twitter later increased these limits, particularly for verified users. Critics argued that Twitter’s bot problem wouldn’t exist if the platform hadn’t significantly reduced its engineering staff.

For Threads, the main challenge lies in effectively addressing bot and spam issues, especially since the app is currently unavailable in Europe due to strict data privacy regulations. This situation has significant implications for influencers who rely on social media platforms for visibility and monetization. Platforms must provide a spam-free environment for influencers to thrive.

As Threads implements rate limits, finding a balance is crucial. While combating spam is important, the measures should not overly hinder legitimate content creators from effectively engaging with their audience. This saga serves as a reminder to social media platforms about the ongoing battle against spam and the significance of maintaining user-friendly environments.

One of our recent quick-take articles explores the question of whether Threads can compete with Twitter in the long run. Additionally, Instagram’s Threads is expected to soon introduce direct messaging (DMs), expanding its features and providing users with enhanced communication options.

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Threads by Instagram might be Running Out of its Glory Days

Anubhav — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:59:16 +0000

Threads, the potential Twitter replacement from Meta started off strong, but as a lot of experts predicted, it has faced challenges in maintaining its daily active users. According to a Similarweb report, Threads had an impressive peak of over 49 million daily active users on Android worldwide on July 7. However, by July 14, that number dropped significantly to 23.6 million, representing about 22% of Twitter’s audience.

Threads is also currently unavailable in Europe, which might be a contributing factor

In the race to compete with Twitter and other alternatives that might be dropping in the near future, Threads was the source of undivided attention when it launched, especially in the US, where users spent an average of 21 minutes engaging with the app on July 7. However, that engagement dwindled to just over 6 minutes by July 14. Interestingly, during its peak interest days, Twitter’s daily active users on Android remained relatively unchanged, but the time spent on the platform decreased by 4.3%, possibly due to some users exploring Threads.

One of Threads’ strengths lies in its ability to solve the “empty party problem” faced by new online communities. Instagram users can instantly create a Threads account and bring their existing contacts, contributing to Meta’s claim of achieving over 100 million total account signups in a short period. Despite this success, Threads still lacks essential features and must offer compelling reasons for users to switch from Twitter or adopt it as their primary social media platform.

Threads’ popularity in the US is attributed to its unavailability in the EU. However, it faces the challenge of retaining users, as daily usage minutes have declined over time. In contrast, Instagram’s user loyalty has remained steady at about 40%, highlighting the need to focus on user retention and satisfaction.

The competition between Threads and Twitter is evident, as web traffic to twitter.com dropped by 5% during Threads’ initial availability days. While Threads has definitely made a notable crater on Twitter’s market share, it still has a long way to go before becoming a true Twitter replacement. And at this point, it’s safe to assume that most users already know that.

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Quick Take: Can Threads Take on Twitter in the Long Run?

Soumyakanti — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:53:50 +0000

The social media landscape recently welcomed a new competitor from an existing media giant Meta called the Threads. At a time when Twitter has pivoted to a more aggressive monetization strategy, including paywalls, Threads has rapidly gained traction, with 100 million users signing up on its platform in its first few days.

The question that naturally arises is: What unique offerings does Threads bring to the table that users are contemplating a switch from Twitter?

Let’s delve into a fundamental comparison to gain better insights.

Illustration: Soumyakanti Ray

Design

Twitter’s minimalist design, primarily text-based, with a linear feed, has been its signature look for years. Conversely, Threads embraces a more visual approach with a card layout reminiscent of Instagram stories, which makes it an excellent platform for sharing links and news stories, providing a more immersive experience.

Twitter

Threads

Features

Twitter, with its mature platform, offers a plethora of features, including trending topics, direct messaging, robust search capabilities, and support for multiple languages. Twitter also gives users the option to draft and save posts for later. There’s also the added advantage of an intricate thread system that lets users easily engage in complex conversations.

On the flip side, Threads, still in its infancy, has a more pared-down feature set. Its main offering revolves around text-based posts with a 500-character limit, quite a leap from Twitter’s 280. Notably missing, however, are functionalities like direct messaging, discovery pages, and support for hashtags. Also, the ability to save drafts and edit posts after publishing is absent.

But Threads isn’t sitting idle; Meta executives have assured users that new features are underway. The roadmap reportedly includes post-editing, multi-language support, and improved desktop functionality. Thus, even though Threads is currently less feature-rich compared to Twitter, it is poised to close the gap soon. Also, Zuckerberg recently said that the app will remain ad-free until it hits 1 billion users.

Algorithm

Twitter employs a complex algorithm that surfaces tweets based on user preferences and engagement. It provides two feed options: one curated by user interests and the other based on user-followed accounts. Threads, on the other hand, adopts a simpler feed approach where posts from all users are visible, regardless of whether a user follows an account or not.

User Demographics

Threads’ initial user base seems to be skewed towards Instagram’s audience, likely due to the seamless integration with the popular photo-sharing app. Twitter, with its broader demographic, appeals to a more diverse audience, including journalists, politicians, and celebrities.

Verification

While Twitter’s controversial pay-for-verification model has drawn criticism, Threads has retained a more traditional verification process. Verified Instagram accounts automatically receive their blue badge on Threads, offering a more trusted verification system.

To better understand the basic in-app differences we have created this chart. Please take a look.

Feature	Twitter	Threads
Design	Minimalist, text-based	Card layout, visually appealing
Character Limit	280 (standard), 25,000 (Twitter Blue)	500
Video Limit	2 minutes 20 seconds (standard), Unlimited (Twitter Blue)	5 minutes
Post Drafts	Available	Currently Unavailable
Direct Messaging	Available	Currently Unavailable
Algorithmic Feed	Yes (two options: based on user interests and followed accounts)	No (all users’ posts visible)
Verification	Available for purchase	Transferred from verified Instagram accounts
Ads	Yes	Currently Ad-free

Can Threads Take on Twitter in the Long Run?

Predicting the winner in this ongoing social media duel is quite premature at this stage. Each platform holds its unique strengths. Despite facing criticism over its paywall policy and alleged toxicity, Twitter still boasts a solid base of loyal users and a rich array of features. On the other hand, Threads, though still evolving, benefits from the massive leverage of Instagram’s enormous user base and Meta’s technological expertise.

Credit: Twitter: Misha Fitton)

This face-off could be perceived as a clash of the titans: Mark Zuckerberg of Meta versus Elon Musk of Twitter. Both are widely recognized for their path-breaking innovations and cutthroat competitiveness.

To conclude, the ongoing rivalry between Threads and Twitter offers an interesting insight into how social media platforms are evolving to cater to a diverse array of user preferences and experiences. Each platform provides unique benefits to its users, and the ultimate choice rests on individual usage habits and preferences. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, we can anticipate more exciting developments in the future.

From my perspective, so far, Threads has emerged as a much calmer space compared to Twitter, which often resembles a battlefield for keyboard warriors. It’s too early to forecast the trajectory Threads will take. A clearer picture will emerge as more users start interacting and creating content on the platform.

As for Twitter, it is likely to remain a vital player in the social media landscape, provided it doesn’t make any strategic missteps. Traditionally, Twitter has been the go-to platform for breaking news, important updates, and brand engagement. Hence, in my opinion, both networks can coexist, each catering to unique audience segments and purposes.

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Twitter’s Financial Struggles Continue Despite Efforts to Bounce Back

Anubhav — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:32:48 +0000

In an unexpected tweet on Saturday, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Twitter, openly admitted that the company is still grappling with negative cash flow issues. The revelation sheds light on the social media giant’s ongoing financial challenges, as it continues to spend more money than it generates. Musk attributed the problem to a sharp decline of approximately 50 percent in advertising revenue, coupled with a hefty debt burden that Twitter has been carrying.

Elon Musk stated that the 50-per cent decline in advertising revenue is to be blamed for the state of Twitter

The timing of Musk’s tweet is particularly significant, as it coincides with the commencement of Twitter’s ad-revenue sharing program paying out some content creators, including controversial far-right influencers. This move, though intended to bolster user engagement and attract advertisers, has been met with mixed reactions from the public.

Despite the setbacks, Musk seems to be optimistic about the platform’s potential. He claimed that Twitter could potentially witness an “all-time high device user seconds usage” in the coming week, indicating a strong user base. Moreover, Musk pointed out that many advertisers who had initially abandoned the platform following his takeover in October have either returned or expressed intentions to do so, signifying a potential resurgence in advertiser interest.

However, the numbers don’t paint an entirely positive picture for Twitter’s financial situation. A research firm, Sensor Tower, estimated that advertising spending on the platform experienced a staggering 89 per cent decline to a mere $7.6 million over a two-month period earlier in the year. Adding to the financial strain are the substantial annual interest payments of around $1.5 billion, resulting from the debt that Twitter accrued when Musk took the company private for $44 billion.

With these challenges on the table, Twitter’s newly appointed CEO, Linda Yaccarino, faces an uphill battle to rebuild the platform’s advertising base and steer the company towards a positive cash flow. Her leadership and strategic decisions in the coming months will be closely scrutinized as the company seeks to overcome its financial hurdles.

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Elon Musk’s Twitter sues four individuals for illegal data scrapping

Anurag — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:48:37 +0000

Elon Musk has been serious about putting an end to data scraping. In early July, the billionaire imposed temporary Tweet limits “to address extreme levels of data scraping and platform manipulation.” Now, Musk’s X Corp. is suing four unnamed individuals over allegations of illegal data scraping from Twitter. Filed in a Dallas County, Texas, court on July 6, the lawsuit seeks over $1 million in damages.

Twitter is not amused by data scraping

As reported by CNBC, X Corp., the parent company of Twitter, sued four unknown individuals last week over data scraping. Musk’s company seeks more than $1 million in damages for “unlawfully scraping data associated with Texas residents,” according to the report. The filing of the case states that the defendants allegedly contracted with operators of data-processing facilities in Dallas County, Texas.

According to the filing, the company has been unable to determine the identity of the individuals. However, in place of names, attorneys for X Corp. have provided a list of four IP addresses.

For the unknown, data scraping is a technique where a computer program extracts data from a website or other online source. This data can then be used for a variety of purposes, such as market research, price comparison, or even social media monitoring.

Elon Musk put the kibosh on data scraping by limiting how many tweets users could read each day. Unverified accounts were capped at a measly 600 posts, while verified (read: paid) accounts were allowed to view a generous 6,000 tweets. The defendants in this lawsuit were apparently responsible for those limits. “These requests have severely burdened X Corp’s servers. and degrading the user experience for millions of X Corp.’s customers,” the suit says.

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Former Twitter Executives are Seeking Legal Fees from Twitter Amounting $1.6 Million

Anubhav — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 03:34:33 +0000

In recent news, a group of former Twitter executives has filed a court document claiming that the social media giant owes them over $1.6 million in legal fees. Led by former CEO Parag Agrawal, the executives are demanding that Twitter promptly pay the outstanding amount. The lawsuit, filed in April of this year, alleges that Twitter owes them more than $1 million in legal fees, primarily related to Department of Justice investigations and shareholder lawsuits, and an additional $500,000 in other assets. The legal fees were incurred during their tenure at Twitter and resulted from various lawsuits and government investigations the company faced. The former executives argue that Twitter’s refusal to fulfill its payment obligations violates the company’s own rules and regulations.

Twitter’s current CEO, Linda Yaccarino has her work cut out for her

Lawyers representing the ex-executives stated in a court filing that they have been attempting to obtain payment from Twitter for the past year, but the company has provided various reasons for stalling the process. Consequently, Agrawal, along with former Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde and former Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal, are seeking an order from Delaware Chancery Chief Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick to compel Twitter to pay the outstanding costs without the need for a trial.

Twitter is currently confronted with multiple lawsuits accusing the company, under the leadership of CEO Elon Musk, of failing to fulfill financial obligations to former employees, suppliers, and landlords. Furthermore, Musk’s X Company, Twitter’s parent company, has recently sued law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, seeking the recovery of $90 million in legal fees. The former Twitter executives had engaged the law firm to facilitate Musk’s attempted $44 billion acquisition of the social media platform. Twitter’s current CEO, Linda Yaccarino, aims to recover the legal fees on the grounds that the lawsuit is based on false statements made to Twitter.

Although Twitter has reportedly paid approximately $600,000 of the owed amount, the company has withheld $115,842 in attorney fees and over $500,000 in other legal-related costs. In addition to the legal fee dispute, Twitter is facing investor lawsuits alleging that Musk’s actions caused instability in the company’s stock price during his attempted acquisition of Twitter. Several former employees have also filed lawsuits, claiming that Twitter failed to honor their equity commitments following their termination.

As the legal battle ensues, the outcome will determine whether Twitter will be compelled to fulfil its payment obligations to the former executives and resolve the ongoing disputes related to financial commitments. The company just started paying their creators their shares of ad-revenue, so it might not be looking to incur any new losses right now.

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Twitter Launches Ad-Revenue Sharing Program for Creators

Anubhav — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 01:40:57 +0000

Twitter‘s reputation isn’t the best right now, and the company’s past decisions might have something to do with it. However, Elon Musk seems like he wants to get back into the good books of his user base. The company has officially rolled out its ad-revenue-sharing program for creators, with reports suggesting that eligible Blue subscribers have already started receiving payments. The initiative was initially announced by Elon Musk in February, but details on its workings were scarce at the time. However, high-profile users have recently reported receiving notifications about incoming deposits, with one user claiming to be set to receive over $24,000 and other users sharing their screenshots as well. Payouts are based on ads in replies to eligible users’ content.

The creators have to have at least 5 million impressions for each of the past 3 months to be eligible

The program aims to incentivize creators who generate popular content that drives ads, offering rewards to accounts that contribute to Twitter’s revenue generation and help drive new Blue subscriptions. According to a Twitter help article, creators can now earn a share of ad revenue starting from replies to their posts, as part of Twitter’s efforts to enable people to earn a living directly on the platform. Musk emphasized that payouts would be cumulative since he first promised them in February.

However, meeting the requirements to receive transfers from the Musk-owned social media company is no easy feat. To be eligible for the revenue-sharing system, users must be Twitter Blue or Verified Organizations subscribers and have garnered at least five million post impressions in each of the past three months. They also need to pass a human review and comply with Twitter’s Creator Subscriptions policies. Eligible users will be paid via a Stripe account. Twitter will soon introduce an application process accessible through the Monetization section in account settings.

BRO?????? pic.twitter.com/saqPfyxbxj
— SK (@raptalksk) July 13, 2023

The introduction of this program aims to make Twitter a more attractive platform for content creators. Interestingly, it comes shortly after Meta‘s launch of its Twitter competitor, Threads, which quickly gained significant traction, amassing over 100 million users within its first five days. This figure surpasses the previous records held by ChatGPT and TikTok.

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk Under Investigation for Alleged Misuse of Company Funds

Anubhav — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 01:31:01 +0000

In a recent development, sources from The Wall Street Journal have revealed that electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is facing a potential investigation into CEO Elon Musk‘s alleged improprieties. Concerns were raised by the company’s board regarding Musk’s suspected use of company funds in the construction of a personal residence near the Austin-area Gigafactory, known internally as “Project 42.” The initiative is said to involve significant purchases of specialized glass, which caught the attention of employees last year. Additionally, several limited liability firms associated with Musk and Tesla executives have acquired substantial amounts of land in the vicinity.

All purchases larger than $120,000 have to be approved by a board committee

According to insiders, designs for the house included a distinctive “twisted hexagon” or a glass cube resembling Apple‘s iconic 5th Avenue store. The plans reportedly encompassed personal spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, indicating a private residence rather than a Tesla-affiliated project.

As of now, the status and outcome of the investigation remain undisclosed. Notably, Tesla disbanded its public relations department several years ago, and Elon Musk has refrained from commenting on the report. The board’s primary objective is believed to be determining Musk’s involvement and ascertaining whether employee working hours were utilized for the construction of his personal residence. Although Bloomberg had previously reported on the glass order, the existence of the board investigation and the nature of “Project 42” were unknown.

While it is not uncommon for executives to receive perks such as private jets, Tesla maintains a relatively stringent policy in this regard. The company mandates that any expense exceeding $120,000, involving a related party like the CEO, must undergo audit scrutiny by a board committee.

This is not the first instance of a high-profile tech executive facing scrutiny over personal expenses. Meta, previously Facebook, recently investigated departing COO Sheryl Sandberg amid allegations of utilizing company resources for personal purposes such as wedding planning and suppressing negative media coverage involving her ex-partner, Bobby Kotick. However, Musk’s case stands out due to his prominent position as a major CEO.

Elon Musk is also currently entangled in an ongoing battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to his use of social media to disseminate financial information. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Tesla and Elon Musk could potentially have far-reaching consequences, warranting careful observation by industry analysts and stakeholders alike.

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