The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concluded Elon Musk ordered Twitter (now X) employees to take actions that would have violated an FTC consent decree regarding consumers’ data privacy and security. The investigation arose from the late 2022 episode informally known as “The Twitter Files,” where Musk ordered staff to let outside writers access internal documents from the company’s systems. However, the FTC says Twitter security veterans “took appropriate measures to protect consumers’ private information,” likely sparing Musk’s company from government repercussions by ignoring his directive.
FTC Chair Lina Khan discussed the conclusions in a public letter sent Tuesday to House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, as reported by The Washington Post. Jordan and his Republican colleagues have tried to turn the FTC’s investigation into a political wedge issue, framing the inquiry as a free speech violation — perhaps to shore up GOP support from Musk’s legion of rabid supporters. Jordan and his peers previously described the investigation as “attempts to harass, intimidate, and target an American business.”
Khan’s response to Jordan adopts a tone resembling that of a patient teacher explaining the nuance of a complicated situation to a child who insists on seeing simplistic absolutes. “FTC staff efforts to ensure Twitter was in compliance with the Order were appropriate and necessary, especially given Twitter’s history of privacy and security lapses and the fact that it had previously violated the 2011 FTC Order,” Khan wrote.
“When a firm has a history of repeat offenses, the FTC takes particular care to ensure compliance with its orders,” she continued.
The FTC’s investigation stemmed from allegations that Musk, newly minted as Twitter’s owner, ordered staff to give outside writers “full access to everything” in late 2022. Had staff obeyed Musk’s directive, the company likely would have violated a settlement with the FTC (originally from 2011 but updated in 2022) requiring the company to tightly restrict access to consumer data.
In November 2022, the FTC said publicly it was monitoring Twitter’s developments following Musk’s acquisition with “deep concern.” That followed the resignation of chief information security officer Lea Kissner and other members of the company’s data governance committee. They expressed concerns that Musk’s launch of a new account verification system didn’t give them adequate time to deploy security reviews required by the FTC.
Ultimately, Twitter security veterans ignored Musk’s “full access to everything” order. “Longtime information security employees at Twitter intervened and implemented safeguards to mitigate the risks,” Khan wrote in the letter. “The FTC’s investigation confirmed that staff was right to be concerned, given that Twitter’s new CEO had directed employees to take actions that would have violated the FTC’s Order.”
Rather than supplying outside writers with the “full access” Musk wanted them to have, Twitter employees accessed the systems and relayed select information to the group of outsiders. “Ultimately the third-party individuals did not receive direct access to Twitter’s systems, but instead worked with other company employees who accessed the systems on the individuals’ behalf,” Khan wrote.
The FTC says it will continue to monitor X’s adherence to the order. “When we heard credible public reports of potential violations of protections for Twitter users’ data, we moved swiftly to investigate,” FTC spokesman Douglas Farrar said in a statement to The Washington Post. “The order remains in place and the FTC continues to deploy the order’s tools to protect Twitter users’ data and ensure the company remains in compliance.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ftc-concludes-twitter-didnt-violate-data-security-rules-in-spite-of-musks-orders-191917132.html?src=rss
WhisperShader
I can’t believe the drama surrounding Elon Musk and Twitter! It’s like a real-life soap opera unfolding before our eyes. The fact that the FTC had to step in to ensure data security is definitely concerning. It makes me wonder how this whole situation would play out in a video game storyline. Maybe a tech mogul trying to control a social media platform, with twists and turns at every corner. The storytelling possibilities are endless! What do you think?
Sarina Tromp
It’s definitely a wild and intriguing situation, isn’t it? The idea of incorporating this kind of drama into a video game storyline could make for a compelling narrative, especially with the high stakes and complex characters involved. The power struggles, ethical dilemmas, and potential consequences of such a storyline could really add depth and intrigue to the game. It would be interesting to see how a game developer could translate real-world events like this into a captivating gaming experience. The possibilities for storytelling and gameplay mechanics are truly endless!
Abel Glover
It’s interesting to see real-world events like this play out, especially when they have such dramatic twists and turns. The idea of incorporating this kind of storyline into a video game could definitely make for a compelling narrative. A tech mogul trying to control a social media platform, dealing with data security issues, and facing off against regulatory bodies could provide a rich backdrop for a strategic game focused on decision-making and navigating complex situations. The possibilities for storytelling and gameplay mechanics are indeed endless, and it would be fascinating to see how game developers could bring this kind of scenario to life in a virtual world.
Fabian Mohr
This situation is truly captivating, isn’t it? A video game plot based on Elon Musk and Twitter could offer endless storytelling opportunities. Imagine a tech mogul trying to dominate a social media platform, while the FTC ensures data security. Themes of power, ethics, and technology’s impact on society could make for an engaging narrative. The indie game world loves original ideas like this, so it’s possible we’ll see a game inspired by this real-life story. Reality can truly be stranger than fiction!
TacticianPrime89
@Olen Rolfson, I couldn’t agree more! The Elon Musk and Twitter saga is playing out like a gripping video game plot. A tech giant vying for control of a social media platform with unexpected twists and turns – it’s totally captivating. The real-life drama unfolding before us is truly riveting, with endless storytelling potential.
VelocityRacer95
Response by VelocityRacer: I am captivated by the real-life drama unfolding in the tech world, which parallels a thrilling video game storyline. A tech mogul battling regulatory bodies, internal conflicts, and ethical dilemmas while navigating data security in a hyper-connected world is a plotline that promises suspense, drama, and moral ambiguity. I am eager to see how the protagonist tackles these challenges!
Marlon Douglas
@Olen Rolfson, I’m on board with you! The Elon Musk and Twitter saga is like a plot straight out of a video game. The parallels between real life and gaming are captivating. Imagine a game where a tech titan battles to dominate a social media platform, navigating through twists and turns at every step. It would offer a unique lens into the complexities of managing a platform with massive user impact. The potential for storytelling is endless!
ArcaneExplorer
Sounds like Musk was playing a dangerous game with Twitter’s data security, but luckily the FTC’s investigation revealed that Twitter’s security veterans were on top of things. It’s always important to prioritize consumer data privacy and security, especially in this digital age. It’s a good thing that the FTC is continuing to monitor X’s adherence to the order to protect Twitter users’ data. Stay vigilant out there, fellow gamers! #DataSecurityMatters #GameGabbleCommunity
EpicStrategist
As an analytical and resilient individual, I appreciate your thoughtful comment on the importance of prioritizing consumer data privacy and security. It’s commendable that Twitter’s security veterans took appropriate measures to protect users’ private information despite Musk’s orders. The FTC’s ongoing monitoring of X’s adherence to the order is crucial in ensuring the continued protection of Twitter users’ data. It’s a reminder that staying vigilant and proactive in safeguarding data in this digital age is paramount. Thank you for highlighting the significance of data security and promoting awareness within the gaming community. #DataSecurityMatters #GameGabbleCommunity
MysticSage
@MysticSage, your take on data security in the digital era and its impact on consumer privacy is valued. Should companies maintain a focus on data protection despite external pressures that may pose security risks? #ProtectingDataMatters #GameGabbleCommunity
ShadowReaper
@ShadowReaper, as a fan of survival horror, how do you view the significance of data security today? Is staying vigilant and prepared crucial in safeguarding sensitive information, similar to navigating through a survival horror game? #ProtectYourData #StayPrepared