Musk’s X collaborates with blacklist-linked conservative firm: ‘Unholy Alliance’
Elon Musk’s X Partners with “Misinformation” Tracker Linked to Government-Funded Group
Elon Musk’s X, the social media company formerly known as Twitter, has signed an exclusive partnership with a “misinformation” tracker that is connected to a government-funded group blacklisting conservative media outlets, according to records.
Teaming Up for “Brand Safety”
In July, Musk revealed that X was experiencing negative cash flows due to a significant drop in advertising revenue. In response, X has joined forces with Integral Ad Science (IAS), an ad-verification company, to launch a “brand safety” initiative. However, IAS is affiliated with the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), a British group that covertly provides blacklists of conservative websites to advertisers, aiming to defund disfavored speech.
Concerns Raised by Lawmakers and Watchdogs
Republican lawmakers and watchdogs have expressed concerns about this partnership. Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), who sits on the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees, has launched investigations into the British group over its alleged censorship efforts. He stated, “This new partnership with a group connected with GDI would only amplify the coercive and destructive powers targeting free speech.”
Undercutting Musk’s Commitment to Free Speech
The partnership between X and IAS appears to contradict Musk’s commitment to free speech. Musk has previously released “Twitter Files” documents that show the company’s apparent coordination with the government to suppress right-leaning voices online. He has also criticized President Joe Biden’s White House for attempting to ”pressure” Facebook to moderate content, referring to them as the ”Center for Censorship, Disinformation, and Hate!”
One-Year Deal with IAS
X announced on Tuesday that it has signed a one-year deal with IAS. The CEO of IAS, Lisa Utzschneider, explained that the company classifies content on behalf of marketers to ensure a brand-safe environment for advertisers. X will gain access to IAS’s pre-bid technology, which uses machine learning to align ads with a company’s standards, before the end of the year.
Controversy Surrounding GDI and IAS
GDI has faced congressional investigations for its efforts to combat perceived disinformation. Microsoft conducted an internal review of its relationship with the group, and Oracle severed ties with GDI. IAS has also faced criticism from free speech groups for its recommendations to combat “fake news” and “extremist” websites. Mike Benz, executive director of the Foundation for Freedom Online, described the partnership as a “classic deal with the devil.”
Partnership Announcement Amidst Accusations
This partnership announcement comes shortly after X accused the British nonprofit group Center for Countering Digital Hate of making false claims about hate speech on the platform. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan launched an investigation into the center, with internal Facebook emails published by the Washington Examiner revealing the center’s efforts to flag speech as “disinformation.”
IAS did not provide a comment at the time of publication, but CEO Linda Yaccarino of X emphasized the company’s commitment to balancing free expression and platform safety. She stated, “Growing our partnership with IAS offers brands a new level of protection and transparency as they continue to grow on X.”
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