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Musk Increases Twitter ‘X’ Data Sharing on Hate Speech: WSJ

Elon Musk's Twitter 'X' faces scrutiny as data sharing on hate speech surges, sparking concerns over global freedom of speech and privacy.
Musk Increases Twitter ‘X’ Data Sharing on Hate Speech: WSJ

Under the leadership of Elon Musk, Twitter, now dubbed “X,” has been increasingly cooperative with German authorities. The latest reports reveal a substantial uptick in data sharing, especially concerning online hate crimes.

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X’s Transparency Takes a Turn

Since acquiring the platform, Musk has championed the protection of free speech. However, the boundaries of free speech differ across countries like Germany, which has stringent hate speech regulations. Consequently, X has shared user data with German authorities to address potential breaches of these laws.

Moreover, the number of cases where X complies with German requests has risen noticeably. From the Munich public prosecutors office, Sebastian Murer reported that X now shares user data in 50 to 100 cases monthly with Bavarian authorities. Such numbers signify a dramatic increase post-acquisition.

Additionally, a recent report by Rest of World, analyzing data from Harvard University’s Lumen database, pointed out that X’s compliance with government requests for censorship and surveillance had surged between November and April. Most notable were the requests from Turkey, Germany, and India.

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Shifting Priorities or Mere Compliance?

Previously, Twitter was known to resist government requests that seemed overreaching, especially regarding online speech. However, Yoel Roth, former head of Twitter’s trust and safety team, indicated this resistance waned under Musk’s leadership. Roth suggests that while resisting requires resources, compliance is a simpler path.

However, as Germany steps up its efforts to curb online hate, especially after the assassination of politician Walter Lübcke by a neo-Nazi, this cooperation becomes more crucial. Josephine Ballon, from Hate Aid, emphasized the importance of local politicians and activists in open public discourse. She noted the potential threat that online hate campaigns pose to democracies.

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Where Does This Leave X?

With Musk at the helm, X has undeniably loosened its regulations regarding on-site speech. Some experts believe that this, in turn, has led to a surge in misinformation and hate speech on the platform.

However, while Musk’s transparency in dealings with a democratic nation like Germany is commendable, critics argue that such cooperation might set a precedent, making it challenging for X to deny future requests from more authoritarian governments.

Hence, while X’s collaboration with foreign governments may seem advantageous in certain contexts, it does raise questions about the potential implications for user privacy and freedom of speech globally.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.

Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
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