On Twitter, Elon Musk causes big changes and doubts

TWITTER – A week after Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter was made official this Thursday, Nov. 3, many questions continue to arise. There is tension and anxiety in the exchanges between the new owner of the social network and many users who are anxious to understand what the platform will look like in the future.

Free speech, firing, paid choice… The HuffPost considers the changes Twitter has undergone since the billionaire takeover and the implications of that takeover.

Half of the workers were laid off

Bad news for Twitter employees. according to Daily Mail, Elon Musk will thank half of his 7,500 employees on Friday, November 4. The massive layoffs are being justified as allowing the platform to cut costs to generate more revenue, one of the first goals of the sulphurous entrepreneur who bought Twitter for $44 billion.

A few days before the operation Washington post Elon Musk announced that he wants to lay off 75% of his workforce. The numbers have therefore been revised downwards, but the announcement remains a blow to employees who have seen the departure of several leaders, including former boss Parag Agrawal.

Additionally, telecommuting will no longer be permitted for employees (with some exceptions) in order to save money.

Certified accounts are paid

To increase Twitter’s revenue, Elon Musk decided to do account certification. original Users with a blue dot next to their name will have to pay $8 a month.

The $20 figure was first announced by the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX before famous writer Stephen King (and other users) complained about the amount. After a brief exchange with the author and facing this objection, Elon Musk therefore decided to lower the price. However, his initiative is still not unanimous. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire admitted that he paid him “it’s gonna hurt a little”.

With this project, the new general manager wants to combine Twitter Blue (subscription of paid features already available in the English-speaking world for $5 per month) and the possibility of identity verification and certification. Currently, only certain profiles, especially governments, companies, media, political, cultural or sports personalities, etc. this may require a guarantee of authenticity.

Brands stop advertising

A staunch defender of absolute freedom of expression, the South African billionaire posted a message to reassure advertisers shortly before the seizure. He actually promised not to go on Twitter “hell is a place open to all, one can say anything without consequence”. Before that, Kanye West (who now calls himself Ye) was suspended a short while ago after his anti-Semitic remarks. As a pledge of goodwill, Elon Musk put off Donald Trump’s case until later.

With these reservations in mind, a collective of about 50 associations for the defense of democracy or the fight against disinformation called on Elon Musk, the biggest advertisers on Twitter (including Coca-Cola, Google and Disney), to threaten to stop all advertising on the network. always there” Cancelled ” content moderation.

General Motors has already announced that it will temporarily stop spending on the platform. according to Financial Times, cosmetics giant L’Oréal would also make this decision. Information rejected Reuters by a company spokesperson.

Faced with these criticisms, Elon Musk has announced that he wants to create a content moderation board. He also claimed that he held discussions with NGOs regarding the protection of the rights of several minorities. How Twitter Will Fight Hate and Harassment ».

Personalities run off the platform

Advertisers aren’t the only ones questioning the platform. Some personalities have chosen to leave Twitter for good after Elon Musk’s rise to power. It’s the work of composer Toni Braxton, who fears the show’s creator’s penchant for hate speech. Grey’s Anatomy Shonda Rhimes or singer Sara Bareilles.

Still far from significant, but still a move that shows the reluctance of a part of society to Elon Musk’s bluebird projects.

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