What Elon Musk means for Twitter

 

Hey, In case you missed it: Twitter’s board caved to Elon Musk and let him buy the company for $44 billion. Why is Elon Musk bad for Twitter? Just 3 days after striking a deal to buy Twitter, Musk is already attacking Twitter executives and mobilizing his followers to do the same with racist language.1  This is not new for Elon Musk.  He has weaponized Twitter to spread transphobic and antisemitic messages, COVID-19 disinformation, and more.2,3 Musk has made it very clear that he will roll back content moderation policies under the guise of “free speech,” which will lead directly to increased disinformation and hateful content on the platform that will harm the most marginalized communities — and all of us. And because of Twitter’s outsize role in almost all political and social discourse, the impact of this decision is far-reaching, both on and off the platform.  What is Kairos doing? For too long, power has been up for grabs to the highest bidder. We must change the governance of the internet. Twitter only exists because of the people who use it. We deserve to have a say over how platforms run because they are so much more than just social media. Spaces like Twitter are vital public communications infrastructure and cannot be subject to the rule of private companies.   We’re working towards governance in 2 ways right now:  We are continuing to call for user governance of the internet and to empower users to recognize their ability to make or break social platforms. Without users, social platforms are nothing.  As a part of the Change the Terms Coalition, we are calling on Twitter and all social media companies to #FixtheFeed and combat the growing online disinformation crisis that is damaging our democracy and our communities.  What can you do? If you are a Twitter user, click here to sign the statement telling Twitter’s board: We’re watching.  Not a Twitter user or want to take another action? Click here to sign the petition in support of Change the Terms demands that social media platforms combat online disinformation and hate ahead of the 2022 midterms (and beyond). Kairos is staying steady in our mission to fight for a world where tech works for all. We’re so glad that you are part of this movement.    – Jelani, Kairos Director of Campaigns   Sources: 1. “Elon Musk boosts criticism of Twitter executives, prompting online attacks,” The Washington Post, April 17, 2022.  2. “Elon Musk should apologize for mocking gender pronouns, says group that gave Tesla top LGBTQ-friendly rating,” CNBC, Dec. 17, 2020.  3. “Elon Musk tweets, then deletes, Holocaust joke,” Ars Technica, Feb. 17, 2022.

Together, we’re fighting for a world where technology advances racial, social, and economic justice. To do this, Kairos builds leaders, supports organizations, and advocates for tech and platform accountability. Will you chip in to support the fight for a world where technology works for all of us? Kairos Fellowship is a fiscally sponsored project of Allied Media Project, a 501(c)3 organization, so your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. . You’re receiving this email because you expressed an interest in Kairos, where we are building political power and holding tech accountable.