Elon Musk wrote in a note to advertisers on Thursday that Twitter cannot be a “free-for-all hellscape” ahead of a Friday deadline to complete the purchase of the social media firm.
“Twitter obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences,” Musk wrote on Twitter in a message, titled, “Dear Twitter Advertisers.” The tech billionaire did not elaborate.
There were reports, including one from the Wall Street Journal, indicating that some Twitter advertisers expressed worry in private to Musk and Twitter that the social media platform would have little-to-no content moderation. In previous months, Musk sharply criticized Twitter’s content moderation policies and accused it of having a left-wing bias.
“The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence,” Musk also wrote Wednesday. “There is currently great danger that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society.”
Kieley Taylor, global head of partnerships at GroupM—an advertising agency—told the WSJ that some brands would stop advertising on the platform if former President Donald Trump’s account is reinstated, for example. Trump was banned in January 2021 after months of him voicing concerns about irregularities during the 2020 election, with Twitter moderators claiming that his speech on Jan. 6 was linked to the breach at the U.S. Capitol.
Earlier this year, Musk indicated that he wanted Trump back on Twitter, although Trump has since started his own social media website, Truth Social. Trump has publicly said that he would not rejoin Twitter even if he is allowed back on the platform, telling Fox News several months ago that using Truth Social is “much better than being on Twitter.”
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Dear Twitter Advertisers pic.twitter.com/GMwHmInPAS
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 27, 2022
Dear Twitter Advertisers,
I wanted to reach out personally to share my motivation in acquiring Twitter. There has been much speculation about why I bought Twitter and what I think about advertising. Most of it has been wrong.
The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence. There is currently great danger that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society.
In the relentless pursuit of clicks, much of traditional media has fueled and catered to those polarized extremes, as they believe that is what brings in the money, but, in doing so, the opportunity for dialogue is lost.
That is why I bought Twitter. I didn’t do it because it would be easy. I didn’t do it to make more money. I did it to try to help humanity, whom I love. And I do so with humility, recognizing that failure in pursuing this goal, despite our best efforts, is a very real possibility.
That said, Twitter obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences! In addition to adhering to the laws of the land, our platform must be warm and welcoming to all, where you can choose your desired experience according to your preferences, just as you can choose, for example, to see movies or play video games ranging from all ages to mature.
I also very much believe that advertising, when done right, can delight, entertain and inform you; it can show you a service or product or medical treatment that you never knew existed, but is right for you. For this to be true, it is essential to show Twitter users advertising that is as relevant as possible to their needs. Low relevancy ads are spam, but highly relevant ads are actually content!
Fundamentally, Twitter aspires to be the most respected advertising platform in the world that strengthens your brand and grows your enterprise. To everyone who has partnered with us, I thank you. Let us build something extraordinary together.
@Elon Musk on Twitter
