Elon Musk said in a message that he would buy Twitter to “help humanity” and create a “common digital town square” before the site takeover, scheduled for Friday, was completed. .
In a statement uploaded to Twitter to the platform’s advertisers, Musk said he acquired the platform because he believes it’s important to have a space where “a wide range of beliefs can be discussed in a healthy way.” said.
He said there was now a “great danger” that social media would “generate more hate and divide our society into far-right and far-left echo chambers”.
Musk’s long-running $44 billion acquisition of Twitter is expected to close in the US on Friday.
Dear Twitter Advertiser, pic.twitter.com/GMwHmInPAS
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 27, 2022
The acquisition has raised concerns in some areas that Mr. Musk supports “absolute free speech.” This could allow Tesla bosses to bring back controversial and previously suspended accounts to the platform, including those of former President Donald Trump.
But in the message, Musk appeared to be trying to allay fears among advertisers about the platform becoming more controversial and curtailing content moderation controls to protect free speech. rice field.
“Twitter obviously can’t be a free hell with no consequences,” he said.
“In addition to complying with national laws, our platform is a warm and welcoming one where you can choose the experience you want according to your preferences, just like watching a movie or playing a video game. A must for all ages and adults.
In a further sign that Musk’s takeover of the platform is imminent, the New York Stock Exchange website said trading in Twitter’s stock would be halted on Friday.
On Wednesday, the billionaire SpaceX and Tesla bosses posted a bizarre video of themselves entering Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters with a sink along with the message “Enter Twitter HQ – let it sink.”
He also updated his bio on the social media platform to “Chief Twit.”
According to reports, Musk told staff during his visit that it wasn’t true that he planned to cut up to 75% of Twitter’s staff after acquiring the company.
It was previously reported that Musk had told investors he planned to cut about three-quarters of the company’s 7,500 employees.
