BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - AfD party leader Alice Weidel has spoken positively about Twitter's change of course following the takeover of the social network by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. "Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, freedom and self-determination can be advocated more openly on Twitter again," Weidel told the Rheinische Post newspaper. "That's good for the Twitter bubble - and ultimately for freedom of expression in Germany."
The multi-billionaire had presented the takeover in October as an action to strengthen freedom of speech. Critics, however, fear further brutalization of the Internet platform and worry that the change in ownership could lead to the more unbridled spread of hate messages, agitation and disinformation.
Twitter unblocked the account of former U.S. President Donald Trump under Musk's aegis, for example. Trump had been banned from the platform after expressions of sympathy for supporters who stormed the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Recently, there was also a lot of criticism because Musk - despite his repeatedly emphasized commitment to freedom of speech - first had an automated account for tracking his private jet and later temporarily blocked the user accounts of some U.S. journalists.
Musk did recently announce that he would step down as Twitter CEO - but not until a successor is found. In a poll initiated by Musk, a majority of Twitter users had previously spoken out in favor of his resignation. At present, however, there is little to suggest that Musk will quickly find or has already found a suitable candidate for the job. As the owner, he is likely to retain a great deal of influence over the online communication platform, which companies, governments, authorities, politicians and other celebrities around the world use for their public relations./sku/DP/zb
