London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Jun 22, 2025

Musk threatens to sue researchers who documented the rise in hateful tweets

Musk threatens to sue researchers who documented the rise in hateful tweets

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and now owned by Elon Musk, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers. These researchers published a study documenting an alarming increase in hate speech on the platform since Musk's acquisition.
An attorney representing X sent a letter to the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) on July 20, alleging that the nonprofit's research was intended to harm Twitter's business by driving advertisers away with "incendiary claims."

Elon Musk, known for his free speech stance, has previously welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers to the platform, which he renamed X. However, he appears sensitive to critical speech directed at him or his companies.

The CCDH, a nonprofit with offices in the US and UK, regularly publishes reports on hate speech and harmful behavior on social media platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook. Some of their reports have been critical of Musk's leadership, highlighting an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate speech and climate misinformation since his acquisition.

X's attorney, Alex Spiro, questioned the researchers' expertise and accused the CCDH of attempting to harm the platform's reputation. The letter also insinuated, without evidence, that the center received funds from X's competitors, despite having criticized other large platforms like TikTok and Facebook.

The center's founder and CEO, Imran Ahmed, expressed concern that X's response could deter other researchers from studying the platform, fearing a chilling effect. He stated that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for other industries.

This is not the first time Musk has confronted critics. In the past, he suspended journalists' accounts who covered his takeover of Twitter and threatened legal action against users. His recent threat of a lawsuit has raised concerns, with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff criticizing Musk for trying to intimidate a nonprofit organization holding a powerful social media platform accountable.

The situation continues to unfold as researchers and lawmakers watch closely to see how the situation will be resolved.

*This news report delves into the clash between Elon Musk's social media platform, X, and independent researchers, who've uncovered concerning trends in hate speech. The confrontation raises questions about free speech, accountability, and the power dynamics within social media platforms.*
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Starmer Invites Innovators to Join Government Talent Scheme
UK Economy’s Strong Opening Quarter Shows Signs of Cooling
Harrods Seeks Court Order to Secure Al Fayed Estate for Victims
BA and Singapore Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
Trump Faces Backlash from MAGA Base Over Iran Strikes
Meta Bets $14 B on Alexandr Wang to Drive AI Ambitions
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
FedEx Founder Fred Smith, ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Company, Dies at 80
Chinese Factories Shift Away from U.S. Amid Trump‑Era Tariffs
Pimco Seizes Opportunity in Japan’s Dislocated Bond Market
Labubu Doll Drives Pop Mart to Status as China’s Most Valuable Toy Maker
Global Coal Demand Defies Paris Accord Goals
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
BBC Demands Perplexity AI Immediately Stop Using Its Content
Telegram Founder: I Will Leave My Fortune to Over 100 of My Children
Political Turmoil Resurfaces in Belgium Amid Economic Concerns
Fed policymakers divided on timing of interest rate cuts
Trump signals imminent agreement with Harvard University
Inheritance tax referendum alarms Swiss billionaire community
Japan cancels bilateral security meeting amid US defence demands
AI skeptic Emily Bender warns that ‘the emperor has no clothes’
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
×