Anti-hate speech group accuses Elon Musk’s X Corp of intimidation over legal threat | X | The Guardian
IBM has decided to halt advertising on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, following a report by Media Matters for America that revealed its ads alongside pro-Nazi content. The left-leaning nonprofit identified IBM among several blue-chip companies facing similar issues. IBM responded, expressing “zero tolerance for hate speech” and suspending all X advertising while investigating the matter. This move exacerbates X’s struggles to regain advertisers under CEO Linda Yaccarino, impacted by Elon Musk’s changes since acquiring the platform.
The decision follows Musk’s recent controversial tweet endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory, where he agreed with a user blaming Jews for online antisemitism. This sparked criticism from civil rights leaders, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The ADL, part of a coalition urging a boycott until Musk reinstates old content moderation rules, criticized his influence in promoting antisemitic theories. Musk’s actions, including loosening speech restrictions and reducing content moderation, have fueled concerns about hate speech and extremism on X.
Despite challenges, major entities, including The New York Times and ADL, maintain a presence on X, balancing concerns over toxicity with the platform’s broad audience reach. The situation underscores the delicate balance between free speech, content moderation, and the financial viability of social media platforms.
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