Elon Musk’s offer of $41 billion for Twitter has been successful.
With his promise to reduce censorship and to promote free speech on the social media platform, human rights groups and many Twitter users have raised concerns of what this could lead to. Many being worried about an increase in hate speech and also if some suspended accounts will be allowed to return.
Amnesty International said in a Twitter thread:
“We are concerned with any steps that Twitter might take to erode enforcement of the policies and mechanisms designed to protect users.
“The last thing we need is a Twitter that wilfully turns a blind eye to violent and abusive speech against users, particularly those most disproportionately impacted, including women, non-binary persons, and others.”
With the news coming out that Musk’s offer has been successful, many users have threatened to leave the platform, even though he has said that even people who are not a fan of him should continue using Twitter “because that is what free speech means”.
Jameela Jamil has been one of those, she took to Twitter to say:
Ah he got twitter. I would like this to be my what lies here as my last tweet. Just really *any* excuse to show pics of Barold. I fear this free speech bid is going to help this hell platform reach its final form of totally lawless hate, bigotry, and misogyny. Best of luck. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fBDOuEYI3e
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) April 25, 2022
Whereas many seem very happy about Musk’s success:
Redownloaded the Twitter app to welcome our new overlord @elonmusk #musktwitter #FreeSpeech
— The IceMan (@AlanSalais) April 26, 2022
What do you think about the takeover?
