Biden’s FTC penalized Twitter for leaving the censorship network.
Twitter vs. FTC: A Battle of Power and Free Speech
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has come under fire for allegedly pressuring an independent auditing firm to find Twitter in violation of its settlement agreement. This revelation not only has implications for Twitter’s legal battle with the FTC but also sheds light on the Biden administration’s targeting of the social media platform due to its owner, Elon Musk’s, support for free speech.
“I felt as if the FTC was trying to influence the outcome of the engagement before it had started,” testified David Roque, a CPA with nearly 30 years of experience.
Roque’s testimony prompted Twitter’s lawyers to seek documents from the FTC, but the agency refused to provide any details. In response, Twitter filed a motion to vacate the consent order and protect itself from further harassment.
The motion reveals shocking details of the FTC’s abusive tactics against Twitter. Coupled with a report by the House Weaponization Subcommittee, it becomes clear that the Biden administration is targeting Twitter for its departure from the Censorship-Industrial Complex.
The FTC’s aggressive campaign against Twitter began over a decade ago when the company was found to have violated the Federal Trade Commission Act. A settlement agreement was reached, requiring Twitter to establish a comprehensive information security program and undergo independent assessments of its compliance.
Under the 2022 consent order, Twitter was required to maintain a comprehensive privacy and information security program. However, the FTC’s behavior drastically changed after Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, with the agency issuing numerous demand letters and deposing former employees.
FTC’s Scorched Earth Tactics
The FTC’s investigation into Twitter intensified after Musk’s ownership, with the agency publicly expressing deep concern and emphasizing its new tools for ensuring compliance. Demand letters and burdensome requests for information followed, creating a hostile environment for Twitter.
During a deposition, David Roque revealed that the FTC had pressured him to reach a predetermined conclusion about Twitter’s compliance. This revelation raised serious concerns about the agency’s conduct and its impact on the independence of the assessment.
Twitter Fights Back
In response to the FTC’s misconduct, Twitter’s legal team filed a motion for relief from the consent order. They argue that the FTC’s interference with the independent assessment breached the terms of the order and violated the requirement for objectivity and independence.
The motion also highlights the stark contrast in the FTC’s treatment of Twitter before and after Musk’s ownership, suggesting bias and politically motivated attempts to hinder Musk’s goals.
The Battle Continues
The motion is currently pending before a federal court, with a hearing scheduled for next month. The outcome will determine whether Twitter can escape the FTC’s harassment and protect its commitment to free speech.
Despite FTC Chair Lina Khan claiming ignorance of the situation, the evidence suggests a concerted effort to target Twitter since Musk’s involvement. The battle between Twitter and the FTC is far from over, and its implications for free speech and government overreach are significant.
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