Elon Musk Tries to Escape FTC Audits of X Data Handling

Critics are pushing back against Elon Musk's attempt to escape a strict data-privacy order imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just before he took over Twitter. The order, which was put in place to ensure the social media platform handles user data responsibly, has been a point of contention since Musk acquired the company. The FTC order, which was issued after Twitter disclosed a data mishandling incident, restricts X's data use for 20 years and requires regular independent audits.

The agency also has the authority to request documents as needed to ensure compliance. This level of oversight was put in place after Twitter voluntarily disclosed that a coding error had allowed phone numbers and email addresses shared for two-factor authentication purposes to be used for targeted advertising between May 2013 and September 2019. The incident led to a settlement between Twitter and the FTC, which included a $150 million penalty and allowed the FTC to monitor the platform's data-handling practices until 2042.

The goal of this stringent oversight was to protect user privacy and prevent similar incidents in the future. Critics hope that this order will continue to hold X accountable for its data handling practices under Musk's ownership. The FTC's action demonstrates the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring that tech companies prioritize user data protection.

As Musk tries to escape the audits, critics argue that it is crucial to maintain strict scrutiny to prevent any potential misuse of user data. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for X's data handling practices and user privacy.