In the dynamic world of social media, Twitter’s recent history stands out as a testament to the critical role of employee intervention in maintaining legal compliance. The narrative that unfolded after Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in late 2022 is a fascinating case study of staff dedication to upholding a privacy settlement with the US government, despite the new owner’s controversial directives.
Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, which he subsequently renamed X, was marked by a series of bold moves, including granting access to company documents to journalists like Bari Weiss. This event, known as the “Twitter Files” incident, sparked concerns that X might be breaching a 2022 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This settlement included specific requirements designed to prevent the recurrence of past security lapses.
The plot thickened with Twitter execs resigning over Musk’s changes. Security employees prevented violations by limiting access, despite Musk’s instructions. Khan detailed this in a communication to Rep. Jordan.
Khan’s correspondence to Representative Jordan was a measured response to the criticisms leveled against the Federal Trade Commission’s investigative efforts, particularly in light of Jordan’s assertion that the agency had targeted Twitter post-Musk’s acquisition. However, Khan contended that the investigation was entirely warranted, emphasizing that the FTC’s findings validated the concerns raised by staff members, given the fact that Twitter’s new CEO had issued directives that would have contravened the FTC’s standing Order.
The FTC’s scrutiny did not end with the confirmation of employee intervention. The agency remains vigilant, continuing its attempts to depose Musk and not ruling out the possibility of lawsuits against X for violations of the settlement or US law. The FTC’s statement emphasized swift action upon hearing credible reports of potential violations, underscoring the ongoing commitment to protect Twitter users’ data and ensure company compliance.
The aftermath of Musk’s acquisition saw deep staff cuts and the resignations of key privacy and compliance officials, leaving a void in the company’s ability to interpret and modify data policies to comply with the FTC’s Order. This raised serious questions about X Corp.’s commitment to safeguarding personal data, as government lawyers highlighted in court filings.
Despite these challenges, the actions of Twitter’s employees have been pivotal in maintaining the company’s compliance with the FTC’s Order. Their refusal to comply with Musk’s demands not only protected user information but also saved the company from another potential FTC charge. As the FTC continues to monitor X’s adherence to the order, the importance of employee vigilance in the face of rapid corporate changes cannot be overstated. The Twitter saga serves as a reminder that sometimes, the integrity of a few can safeguard the privacy of many.
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