The Federal Trade Commission is stepping up its investigation into some of Twitter’s most controversial decisions since Elon Musk took over the company last fall. That includes several layoffs at the company and the launch of Twitter Blue, as well as the company’s dealings with journalists involved in the so-called “Twitter Files,” according to a The Wall Street Journal.
At issue, is Twitter in 2022 with the FTC for its use of “deceptive” ad targeting. Along with a $150 million fine, the company at the time agreed to a “comprehensive privacy and information security program,” as well as other strict measures to protect users’ privacy. But there is widespread concern from lawmakers and others that Twitter has not followed the requirements under Musk’s leadership.
now, The Wall Street Journal reports that the FTC has sent at least a dozen letters to Twitter since last fall in an effort to get more information about the company’s handling of deletions, Twitter Blue, the “Twitter Files” and other issues. . The agency is also reportedly trying to fire Musk as part of the inquiry. The House Judiciary Committee also released a report on the FTC’s inquiries into Twitter.
The report isn’t the first suggestion that Twitter may have run afoul of the regulator since Musk’s takeover. The FTC previously said it was following the departures of top privacy and security executives. Lawmakers and others have also raised concerns about the hasty launch of Twitter Blue, which was launched without a proper privacy or security review, a requirement of the FTC settlement with Twitter.
Also, like Bloomberg It was pointed out that the settlement also requires Twitter to limit internal access to Twitter users’ data. Security experts have questioned whether Musk’s decision to hand over large amounts of internal documents and give journalists access would violate its obligations to the FTC.
on Musk called the FTC’s actions “a shameful case of weaponizing a government agency for political purposes and suppressing the truth.” Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee also investigated the agency’s “harassment.”
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