London – The day Twitter reinstated the controversial “blue tick,” a seal of authenticity awarded upon payment of $8 per month, the platform dissolved the minutes of the Trust and Security Council ahead of a pre-scheduled meeting.
The board consisted of nearly a hundred academics and representatives of non-governmental organizations linked to critical issues on social networks such as hate speech, child pornography and freedom of the press.
One of those protesting the decision was CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists), who tweeted that he was “deeply concerned” at the removal of a mechanism “aimed at reducing potential harm to Twitter users, including media professionals.”
Twitter confirmed the Security Council meeting
The meeting was confirmed four days ago, followed by a “open talk” and “Q&A” session with the Twitter team, including the new head of trust and security, Ella Irwin.
But someone changed their mind at the last moment and the Council account was deleted.
The e-mail sent to the members of the board of directors has only the phrase “Twitter” in its signature. This time, Elon Musk did not directly take responsibility for the measure and did not refer to it in his account on the platform.
The board has been around since 2016, and in recent weeks it has lost some key members who have given up on continuing to collaborate in the environment Twitter has transformed since Musk’s $44 billion acquisition.
Last week, three board members resigned in a joint statement posted on Twitter warning that “contrary to Elon Musk’s claims, the safety and well-being of Twitter users is on the decline.”
Three of us resigned from Twitter’s Trust and Security Council today: @eirliani @podesta_lesley and me. Here’s why https://t.co/h05TblfGIO pic.twitter.com/iqcHvhbgms
—annecollier (@annecollier) December 8, 2022
Letter announcing the end of the Twitter Security Council
The text, sent to Security Council attendees, says that in Twitter’s new phase, the group “is not the best structure to bring outside insights into the product and policy development process.”
“Twitter,” who signed the text, says ideas are welcome in bilateral talks or small groups.
And it shows that members of the defunct group continue to interact with regional touchpoints.
NEW: Twitter has disbanded the “Confidence and Security Council”.
Members included expert groups working to combat harassment, child abuse and human rights. pic.twitter.com/hXna9UX02t
— Donie O’Sullivan (@donie) 13 December 2022
The problem will be to find them, as the business-promoted mass layoffs followed by measures to encourage voluntary shutdowns will leave about 1,000 employees at the company, according to tech sites’ estimates.
Threats to Former Twitter Chief of Security
It’s not just users who are at risk. Also Monday, former Twitter security chief Yoel Roth was forced to leave his California home with his partner.
They’ve all quoted self-produced academic work because of the threats he’s received since Elon Musk tweeted last week.
Musk tweets what he calls “Twitter Files,” which are selectively published internal documents that seek to confirm some of his own positions prior to the platform’s acquisition.
One of the published discussions is about the removal of Donald Trump’s account, which has shown some views contrary to the decision of the platform finally taken.
Under pressure from hundreds of activist employees, Twitter removed incumbent US President Trump, despite their own admission that he did not violate the rules: https://t.co/60PplztV4k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) 12 December 2022
But Roth’s lawsuit has practical ramifications, and those who panic fear the loosening of moderation rules adopted by Twitter’s new owner.
Initially, Roth seemed to rely on the new boss’s admiration, who went so far as to praise his work.
But he couldn’t stand it and resigned in November. In an article in the New York Times, he said there was no need for a role like his “in a company where policy is determined by fiat money”.
Last week, I made the decision to step down from my role as a Trust & Safety leader at Twitter.
Today, I’m going to share a few thoughts on what’s next for the site. https://t.co/QPAQR6zpqU
—Yoel Roth (@yoyoel) 18 November 2022
The Washington Post compared Musk’s comments on Roth to comments from the QAnon movement, which accuses Democratic Party members of running a child sexual abuse ring.
“It appears that Yoel advocated in his doctoral thesis that children should be able to access Internet services for adults,” Musk said on Saturday, adding a screenshot of the former manager’s thesis.
But the former employee’s text advocated safety strategies for gay dating apps to allow teens to use them without expelling them from school, thinking they’ll eventually use the platforms.
Authenticity sold on Twitter
Twitter’s controversial seal of authenticity was rebranded this Monday (13), promising solutions to recorded issues on first try, and features like an edit button and higher quality videos.
Prior to Musk’s acquisition, the badge was given to high-profile accounts like politicians and celebrities by Twitter for free.
Now that anyone can buy a ‘blue tick’ without verifying the authenticity of the account holder, the platform has been invaded by fake accounts, including Elon Musk himself.
To get the blue badge, you’ll need to purchase the app from the web or the Apple Store ($11 in this case).
The innovation is only available to users in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
No explanation was given as to why the price was different in the Apple Store.
But in November, Elon Musk had a public dispute with Apple, which was accused of blocking Twitter from its app store and threatening to stop advertising on the platform – hundreds of other companies have done so.
In addition to the supposed authenticity verification by the Twitter team – which didn’t happen in the first place – the blue seal will guarantee users’ posts greater visibility than those of non-paying ones, according to Twitter.
The ‘Coming soon’ feature will be available, which elevates subscriber posts to the top of replies, mentions, and searches.
Users will also have access to the edit button, a controversial idea that does not please those who fear misinformation on the platform. Once a tweet is widely shared, it can be modified.
Those who were unsealed before the platform was purchased by the new owner will continue to receive the seal, but will not be able to enjoy additional features. In the future, seals will have different colors – for example, gold for companies or gray for officials.
Subscribers who change their name or view photos under the new system will lose their blue tick right until their account is reviewed by Twitter.
Also read | Press freedom at risk with Twitter owner Musk, warns journalism organizations
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.