X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers whose research documented an increase in hate speech on the site since it was purchased
A nonprofit organization that researches links between social media, hate and extremism has been threatened with a lawsuit by X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Twitter is threatening legal action against the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a nonprofit that researches hate speech and content moderation on social media platforms.
The letter from Twitter's lawyers alleges that CCDH's research publications are intended to 'harm Twitter's business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims.'
This is a pretty bold move from Twitter, especially considering that CCDH is a well-respected organization that has been doing this kind of research for years. And it's especially ironic coming from Elon Musk, who has said that he's a 'free speech absolutist.'
But Musk has also shown that he's sensitive to criticism, so it's not surprising that he's taking this kind of action against CCDH
Legal snark is by far the most expensive brand of humor, but when it's deployed on your behalf it's so goddamn satisfying.
During a hearing in my divorce, I answered a question from the judge, the other lawyer says "we can't have hearsay in this discussion", my lawyer responds "well this will be a short hearing then because everything in your client's motion is hearsay".
That little snap cost me about $15 but it was worth it.
If your clients do file suit, please be advised that CCDH intends to seek immediate discovery regarding hate speech and misinformation on the Twitter platform; Twitter’s policies and practices relating to these issues; and Twitter’s advertising revenue. In that event, a court will determine for itself the truth of the statements in our client’s report in accordance with the time-tested rules of civil procedure and evidence.
Now that is a nuclear statement in a lawyers letter...
If they leave Twitter, where are they going to go? Artists need to promote themselves. They sure aren't coming here to promote themselves. Twitter has always been where people go to keep up with their favorite artists whether it be art, music, comedy, etc. If they leave then they're shooting themselves in the foot. Twitter is still massively popular even if you don't agree. Same goes for Reddit.
People who have made a living promoting themselves on Twitter aren't going to leave it just because Musk is a dumbass. Most artists as you mention typical have business emails in their profiles. Until Musk does something to fuck with their income, they're staying.
It's the same shit when people on Reddit say they're abandoning COD this year because the devs pissed them off only for the game to have the highest sales ever. You, me, Lemmy users, and Reddit haters are just a fraction of the people who use those sites.
On the upside, it’s mostly morons and assholes. The reporting that’s got Musk snorting rails of battery pack acid and pursing his oh-so-ruby lips basically addresses the stark increase in both the assholes and the vastly more numerous waterheads they manipulate and grift. I’ve looked at #X from others’ accounts and it’s hilarious. I’d feel guilty if I were to sign up. Undignified. Embarrassing. Icky.
Someone else not liking it, sure. But if it's doing nothing about hateful speech and death threats then by continuing to use it you appear to be fine with that.
Evidence based documentation is going to be hard to win against, unless the plan is just drag them through legal proceedings until they can't afford it. The american dream.
Just donated to the CCDH, they definitely don't have the resources to fight Twitter alone.
Given that Twitter trust and safety was almost completely gutted upon his acquisition, I think it's very improbable that type of content was moderated effectively.
I think Elon's rebranding from "twitter" to "X, The Social Media Platform Formerly Known As Twitter" was really smart. You know what, I am gonna go XTSMPFKAST-eet that right now! Obviously the branding was the weakest part of the product he bought!
If they go to court, wouldn't the court make them prove that the claim was false or defamation? And if CCDH can prove that it's not false or defamation then now it's legal record that hate speech has increased since the takeover? This all seems ok with me.
In a defamation lawsuit, it would not be X that had to prove it was a lie. It would be CCDH that had to prove it had evidence for their claims (notice that it does not need to be true, only has to be reasonable for CCDH to believe it is true based on evidence they had).
“Free speech for me, not for thee”. God, I’m THIS close to deleting my account there and just migrating back to Tumblr and bluesky. There are just too many users I love that haven’t moved anywhere else yet.
I’m not really comfortable with how Mastodon works. Bluesky really seems like a very comfy, cool environment and I really like the feeds function. And I mean, Tumblr was always perfect for me anyway.
Convince some of them to move out, too. Or at least start using alternatives, like Mastodon (or any of the dozen services that interact with it, like Akkoma and Soapbox). The number of servers is mind boggling.
Stop giving Musk free publicity. Don't post or upvote Musk spam.
Edit Not posting Musk spam on Lemmy does not mean there's no accountability. What Musk wants is for idiots like you to keep upvoting his daily bullshit and doing his marketing for free.
Isn’t that what you’re doing right now? If no one can post even an opinion against it, you’re clearly the hypocrite to say not them but it’s entirely ok for you to do it
First three paragraphs: “everyone should be able to express themselves”
Rest of the post: “we don’t like what these researchers are saying, so we’ll do what’s possible to make sure those people aren’t able to express themselves”