• "No changes to Twitter moderation policies yet": Elon Musk

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    "No changes to Twitter moderation policies yet": Elon Musk

    There is speculation that Musk is trying to eliminate permanent bans on Twitter users...


    Digital Desk: Twitter CEO Elon Musk reiterated on Saturday that the social media behemoth has not yet changed its content moderation procedures, which have been a source of friction since Musk purchased the company for $44 billion.


    This came hours after he said in a tweet that "Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints", and "no major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes." In another tweet later, Musk said: "To be super clear, we have not yet made any changes to Twitter’s content moderation policies."


    There is speculation that Musk is trying to eliminate permanent bans on Twitter users because he previously stated that the platform's content moderation rules were too stringent and that he did not believe in lifetime bans. His most recent remarks, however, may indicate that high-profile users who have been prohibited from the site, such as former US President Donald Trump, may not be given access right away and that a decision will be made after the establishment of the content moderation committee.


    While Twitter's new owner has stated that he wants to ensure "free speech" on the network, many believe that his measures threaten to reverse Twitter's efforts to minimize bullying and harassment, raising concerns that the platform's dialogue may deteriorate.


    Musk officially gained control of the social media network on Friday, following months of court battles. He started by dismissing a number of high-ranking Twitter employees, including CFO Ned Segal and CEO Parag Agrawal. He had tweeted, "The bird is freed," in an apparent reference to the takeover's conclusion and his desire for fewer restrictions on the posted information.