As Elon Musk addressed Twitter workers for the primary time in an all-hands Q&A gathering, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO offered some extra particulars about his plans for the social platform.
When Musk first introduced his bid to purchase Twitter for $44 billion, he proposed the thought of “authenticating all people” on Twitter. As we’re effectively conscious, one in all his largest grievances with the platform is its bots and pretend accounts.
At present, Musk elaborated on what this plan would possibly entail and clarified that he doesn’t assume human authentication is a requirement to make use of Twitter. He added that anonymity could be useful for folks to freely categorical their political opinions, which is a precedence for him.
In response to Bloomberg, Musk proposed an concept that customers may pay to be authenticated as human via a device just like the subscription product Twitter Blue, and that these customers’ tweets would possibly then be ranked above others.
Concerning content material moderation, Musk stayed true to his earlier statements that individuals ought to have the ability to say “fairly outrageous issues” so long as these statements are authorized.
Musk has routinely referred to himself as a “free speech absolutist” (regardless of prematurely endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president, who supported and signed laws limiting discussions about race and LGBTQ points in state public faculties).
However Twitter’s present platform tips aren’t that stringent. Along with banning unlawful actions, the platform bans hateful conduct (attacking or threatening folks primarily based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, faith, incapacity, and so on.), depictions of graphic violence, and promotion of suicide or self-harm.
On the enterprise facet, Musk mentioned he desires Twitter to have over a billion customers. As of its final quarterly report, Twitter has 229 million monetizable day by day energetic customers.
Consumer development would straight help Musk’s different concepts for Twitter — he desires the corporate to generate more cash via promoting, in-app funds and extra creator options. Although Twitter has rolled out some creator merchandise like tremendous follows, ticketed areas and tipping, creators aren’t counting on Twitter for his or her earnings, whereas operating a profitable YouTube account is usually a viable profession.
Musk mentioned he desires Twitter to be extra like China’s WeChat, noting that its customers “mainly stay on” the app, because it combines social media, messaging, calling, video games and funds into one app. He additionally complimented TikTok, owned by Chinese language firm ByteDance, for conserving customers entertained.
It stays unclear how, when or if this deal would possibly shut, as Musk calls for extra info from Twitter about what number of accounts are usually not truly actual people. On the similar time, the inventory market has suffered, driving down Twitter and Tesla shares alike, which places Musk in a bind as Twitter expects him to honor his $44 billion provide.
Nonetheless, Musk claims to like Twitter, and is at the least dedicated sufficient to reply worker questions.
“Some folks use their hair to specific themselves. I take advantage of Twitter,” he mentioned.
