Elon Musk may be called to testify before the UK Parliament about the operations of his social media platform, X. This was revealed by Labour MP Dawn Butler.
Dawn Butler's Initiative
Dawn Butler, who is campaigning to chair the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that Musk is among the key figures she intends to invite to testify before the committee on the platform’s practices. She stated that Musk is “someone we’d like to invite” as a witness. Butler's initiative is also supported by her rival for the position, fellow Labour MP Chi Onwurah, who also advocates for an inquiry into social media companies’ use of algorithms, including how they contribute to misinformation.
Controversies Around X's Role in Riots
According to Politico, Musk has been in a heated dispute with British politicians following the anti-immigration riots that erupted across the UK after a tragic knife attack in Southport, where three young girls were killed. X played a central role in spreading inaccurate information about the attack, which further fueled the riots and complicated efforts to restore order. The billionaire accused UK authorities of a “one-sided” response to the unrest, suggesting that “civil war is inevitable” in the country. Both candidates for the committee chair have pledged to push for greater transparency from X if they are elected.
Legal Issues of X in Brazil
Musk’s X business also faces legal challenges in Brazil. The platform is currently suspended in the country following a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The conflict escalated after Musk refused to comply with local regulations, including naming a legal representative for X in Brazil. The Brazilian judiciary has been investigating the platform for reportedly spreading misinformation linked to former President Jair Bolsonaro. Despite Musk’s protests, labeling the court’s actions as censorship, the suspension was upheld by a panel of Supreme Court justices. As of now, X remains blocked, and users attempting to access it via VPNs face hefty fines. Additionally, X must pay over $3 million in penalties to restore operations in Brazil.
In conclusion, the activities of the social platform X and its founder Elon Musk continue to attract the attention of authorities worldwide. Investigations are being conducted in both the UK and Brazil to assess the platform's impact on social and political processes.
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