(SQAUK) — Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, announced that the company intends to pursue legal action against individuals and entities involved in an advertising censorship cartel. This decision comes in response to a report from the House Judiciary Committee, which revealed efforts by the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and its Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) to control online speech and advertising revenues. Musk stressed the importance of this legal action after examining the Congressional findings, which outlined coordinated efforts to undermine Twitter’s financial stability following its acquisition.
Elon Musk announced a series of tweets. He emphasized the involvement of GARM members, such as major corporations like Unilever, Mars, Procter & Gamble, and others, in organizing advertising boycotts to influence online content under the pretext of maintaining “brand safety.” The interim report by the House Judiciary Committee showed how these boycotts were planned and carried out, significantly affecting Twitter’s revenue.
Having seen the evidence unearthed today by Congress, 𝕏 has no choice but to file suit against the perpetrators and collaborators in the advertising boycott racket.
Hopefully, some states will consider criminal prosecution. https://t.co/5W4yf1wxVO
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2024
The report mentioned internal communications within GARM, indicating that members were happy with Twitter’s financial impact. This coalition, representing about 90% of global advertising spending, apparently urged its members to halt all paid ads on Twitter after Musk bought the platform.
Musk is taking legal action to address orchestrated efforts to hold accountable those who participated in and supported the advertising boycott. He also suggested the possibility of seeking criminal prosecution in some states. This legal battle is a significant step in Musk’s efforts to combat what he sees as a coordinated attempt to stifle free speech and manipulate market dynamics through corporate influence.
