Elon Musk Takes on Microsoft Over Alleged Unauthorized Twitter Data Usage
Musk threatens legal action against Microsoft for alleged unauthorised Twitter data usage, intensifying tensions between tech giants in the digital landscape.
Tech titan Elon Musk has threatened to sue Microsoft for allegedly using Twitter data without permission, further intensifying the ongoing tensions between major technology companies. The dispute comes as Microsoft announces plans to remove Twitter from its corporate advertising platform while continuing to support Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
They trained illegally using Twitter data. Lawsuit time.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2023
Twitter Charges for Data Access
Recently, Twitter began charging businesses for access to user data, with basic plans starting at $100 per month. This data is crucial for targeted advertising and allows users to manage and track their social media presence. Microsoft’s advertising platform will no longer include Twitter, potentially impacting the social media giant’s ad revenue.
Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter for $44 billion in October, has implemented various measures to boost the company’s finances. These measures include monetising user data and introducing monthly subscriptions.
Major Companies Halt Advertising on Twitter
Since Musk’s takeover, Twitter’s advertising revenue has reportedly dropped, with major companies like Apple halting their advertising on the platform due to content moderation concerns. Despite this, Musk remains optimistic, claiming that Twitter could be profitable by Q2 2023 and is open to selling the company if the right buyer emerges.
Musk Announces Chatbot to Rival Microsoft-backed ChatGPT
In a further sign of escalating tensions, Musk announced plans for his own chatbot to rival Microsoft-backed ChatGPT, claiming it is trained “to be politically correct.” Microsoft has been the biggest financial supporter of ChatGPT creator OpenAI since Musk’s departure in 2019 and has integrated the GPT model into products like the Bing search engine and Office apps.
Competing Interests in the Digital Landscape
This development highlights the ongoing power struggle between tech giants and their competing interests in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With Musk’s ambitious plans for Twitter, the conflict between Microsoft and Twitter is likely to continue as they navigate user data access and advertising in the online world.
As the battle between Musk and Microsoft unfolds, the future of Twitter and its role in the advertising ecosystem remains uncertain. Experts predict that tensions between technology giants will only increase as they fight for dominance in the digital space.
