US regulator urges court to compel Elon Musks testimony on Xs tumultuous environment – The Daily Guardian

Title: US Government Seeks Elon Musk’s Testimony in Ongoing Investigation Into X on User Privacy and Security

In an ongoing investigation into social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the US government is pushing for Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind numerous ventures including SpaceX and Tesla, to testify. The government claims that Musk’s decisions, including mass layoffs, have raised concerns about X’s ability to comply with the law and protect users’ privacy.

The investigation, which predates Musk’s acquisition of X, has intensified due to his actions, according to a court filing by the Justice Department on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Former executives of X have provided testimonies suggesting that the company’s security program was hindered following Musk’s takeover due to a lack of effective management and oversight.

One of the major concerns is Musk’s rush to roll out Twitter Blue, a paid subscription service. This rush forced the security team to bypass required security and privacy checks, violating FTC policies. Additionally, Musk’s decision to grant journalists access to internal company records potentially exposed private user data in violation of the FTC order.

In response to the investigation, X is attempting to block Musk from testifying and invalidate the FTC order, accusing the agency of asking too many questions. However, the US government argues that Musk’s testimony is justified due to the appearance of a chaotic environment at X following his acquisition.

The FTC investigation stems from allegations that Twitter failed to protect user privacy and security, a matter that predates Musk’s acquisition. However, Musk and his allies have accused the FTC of harassment and overreach in response to the probe.

The implications of this investigation and the potential testimony of Elon Musk could have significant consequences for X and its users. The US government’s concerns about user privacy and security issues highlight the increasing focus on accountability in the tech industry.

As this investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will decide regarding Musk’s testimony and the validity of the FTC order. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for social media platforms and their responsibilities in safeguarding user data and complying with regulations.