Meta exec criticizes Elon Musk"s X as a small platform for free speech

Nick Clegg, the president for global affairs at Meta Platforms Inc., recently criticized X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, during a discussion at a London think tank. He described X as a 'tiny' platform that primarily serves elites and lacks effective content moderation, allowing unrestricted speech. Clegg pointed out that individuals banned from Meta's platforms are still active on X and Telegram, contributing to far-right protests in Britain last month. This raises concerns about the platform's role in facilitating harmful discourse. Since Musk's acquisition of X in 2022, the platform has faced scrutiny over its content moderation policies, which have reportedly led to an increase in hate speech and misinformation. Despite having 250 million daily active users, X has experienced a significant drop in advertising revenue, indicating challenges in maintaining a sustainable business model. Additionally, X's operations in Brazil have been suspended due to the inability to appoint a new legal representative, further complicating its international presence. The ongoing rivalry between Musk and Meta has been highlighted by Musk's previous accusations against Meta, claiming that the company uses 'election integrity' as a guise for censorship. This feud underscores the broader debate about free speech and content moderation in social media, with both platforms vying for user engagement and advertising revenue. Clegg's remarks reflect a growing concern among tech leaders about the implications of unregulated platforms on public discourse and societal stability. As X continues to navigate these challenges, the future of its content policies and user engagement remains uncertain.