A US judge on Monday (Mar 25) dismissed Elon Musk's 'frivolous' lawsuit against a non-profit that blamed him for allowing a rise in hate speech on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;

US District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco said that Musk's case against the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) was retaliatory in nature.&nbsp;

<h2>Criticism not allowed</h2>

Judge Breyer said it was "evident" that Musk's X Corp had sued CCDH in an attempt to punish the NGO for its criticism of X.

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"X Corp has brought this case in order to punish CCDH for CCDH publications that criticized X Corp—and perhaps in order to dissuade others who might wish to engage in such criticism," wrote Breyer.

"It is impossible to read the complaint and not conclude that X Corp is far more concerned about CCDH's speech than it is its data collection methods," he added.

X Corp, as per Reuters, has expressed its intention to appeal the decision, which is seen as a setback for Musk, known for championing free speech.&nbsp;

Since acquiring Twitter in October 2022, Musk has faced criticism for allowing hate speech and misinformation on the platform.

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Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH, welcomed the decision, stating that it reaffirms the group's right "to hold accountable social media companies for decisions they make behind closed doors."

Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer for CCDH, remarked that the ruling shows Musk "cannot bend the rule of law to his will."

In the lawsuit filed last July, X had accused CCDH of violating its user contract by cherry-picking data and creating false reports about hate speech and extremism on X.&nbsp;

Calling it a "scare campaign", X had alleged that the non-profit was driving away advertisers and caused tens of millions of dollars in damages.

It also argued that the non-profit could have left the platform if it didn't like Musk's policy changes.

The court ruled that CCDH could not have anticipated Musk's takeover of Twitter and subsequent policy changes when it signed up with the platform.

However, Breyer agreed that X's desire to staunch criticism was "entirely reasonable from a business point of view."

The ruling also dismissed X's claims against the European Climate Foundation (ECF), which was accused of conspiring with CCDH. ECF's lawyer welcomed the dismissal, calling Musk's lawsuit "frivolous".

(With inputs from agencies)

A US judge on Monday (Mar 25) dismissed Elon Musk's 'frivolous' lawsuit against a non-profit that blamed him for allowing a rise in hate speech on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

A US judge on Monday (Mar 25) dismissed Elon Musk's 'frivolous' lawsuit against a non-profit that blamed him for allowing a rise in hate speech on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter. US District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco said that Musk's case against the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) was retaliatory in nature. Criticism not allowed Judge Breyer said it was "evident" that Musk's X Corp had sued CCDH in an attempt to punish the NGO for its criticism of X. Also read | Florida bans children under 14 from using social media; 14-15 year olds will need parental consent "X Corp has brought this case in order to punish CCDH for CCDH publications that criticized X Corp—and perhaps in order to dissuade others who might wish to engage in such criticism," wrote Breyer. "It is impossible to read the complaint and not conclude that X Corp is far more concerned about CCDH's speech than it is its data collection methods," he added. X Corp, as per Reuters, has expressed its intention to appeal the decision, which is seen as a setback for Musk, known for championing free speech. Since acquiring Twitter in October 2022, Musk has faced criticism for allowing hate speech and misinformation on the platform. Also read | Apple, Google, Meta probed under EU’s new Digital Markets Act Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH, welcomed the decision, stating that it reaffirms the group's right "to hold accountable social media companies for decisions they make behind closed doors." Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer for CCDH, remarked that the ruling shows Musk "cannot bend the rule of law to his will." In the lawsuit filed last July, X had accused CCDH of violating its user contract by cherry-picking data and creating false reports about hate speech and extremism on X. Calling it a "scare campaign", X had alleged that the non-profit was driving away advertisers and caused tens of millions of dollars in damages. It also argued that the non-profit could have left the platform if it didn't like Musk's policy changes. The court ruled that CCDH could not have anticipated Musk's takeover of Twitter and subsequent policy changes when it signed up with the platform. However, Breyer agreed that X's desire to staunch criticism was "entirely reasonable from a business point of view." The ruling also dismissed X's claims against the European Climate Foundation (ECF), which was accused of conspiring with CCDH. ECF's lawyer welcomed the dismissal, calling Musk's lawsuit "frivolous". (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's 'frivolous' lawsuit against hate speech watchdog dismissed by US judge

Hate speech against black people, transgender persons as well as engagement with hateful content on Twitter has increased sharply since Elon Musk took over the platform, a research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found on Friday. The research findings are now being seen in the background of Twitter's increased reliance on automated moderation instead of human intervention against hate speech on the platform.&nbsp;

The findings stand in contrast to Musk's claims last week that “hate speech impressions” on Twitter were down by one-third since he took the helm of the company. Musk, however, in a tweet on Saturday said that the findings are “utterly false” while responding to a New York Times story on the study.

Engagement with hateful content up by 372 per cent

In mid-November, Elon Musk had said that hateful tweets would be “max deboosted &amp; demonetized”, following which, the Twitter users wouldn’t see the content unless they search for it on the platform.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-not-happy-with-elon-musk-relaxing-twitter-moderation-rules-539322">Macron not happy with Elon Musk relaxing Twitter moderation rules</a>

But the research found that engagement with hate speech has increased to indiscriminate levels since Musk took over the company. The average number of likes, replies, and retweets on posts with slurs was 13.3 during the weeks before Musk's takeover of the platform.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/twitter-sees-a-surge-of-denialism-claims-as-scientists-look-for-an-alternative-site-539518">Twitter sees a surge of denialism claims, as scientists look for an alternative site</a>

Following Musk's&nbsp;takeover, the average engagements on hateful content have jumped to 49.5 — a whopping increase by 372 per cent — according to the report.

Worrying&nbsp;jump in hate speech against Black people

Before Elon Musk took over the platform, an average of 1,282 tweets with slurs&nbsp;against Black people appeared on a daily basis on Twitter. After Musk formally became Twitter's owner, this number jumped to 3,876 tweets. But last week, when Musk claimed that hate speech impressions were down by a third, the tweets with slurs against Black people went up even further to 4,650 tweets, the report said.&nbsp;

Hate speech against transgender people up by 62 per cent

The report found that slurs against transgender people — with 5,117 tweets at an average — increased by 62 per cent since Musk took over Twitter.

The data was reportedly gathered using Brandwatch, a social media analytics tool, and included tweets from around the world in English.

Why exactly Hate speech surging on Twitter?

Twitter vice president of Trust and Safety Product Ella Irwin told Reuters that the platform is doing away with certain manual reviews rather than removing certain speech outright. The platform is now relying heavily on automation to moderate content. &nbsp;

She said that Musk was focused on using automation more, arguing that the company had in the past erred on the side of using time and labuor-intensive human reviews of harmful content.

"He has encouraged the team to take more risks, move fast, get the platform safe," Irwin said.

Since taking over Twitter in late October, Elon Musk’s act of erratic firings of existing staff (by over fifty per cent) have reportedly gutted the trust and safety teams responsible for moderation, despite the continued concerns from civil rights groups over how hateful content could flourish on Twitter.

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Hate speech against black people, transgender persons as well as engagement with hateful content on Twitter has increased sharply since Elon Musk took over the platform, a research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found on Friday.

Hate speech against black people, transgender persons as well as engagement with hateful content on Twitter has increased sharply since Elon Musk took over the platform, a research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found on Friday. The research findings are now being seen in the background of Twitter's increased reliance on automated moderation instead of human intervention against hate speech on the platform. The findings stand in contrast to Musk's claims last week that “hate speech impressions” on Twitter were down by one-third since he took the helm of the company. Musk, however, in a tweet on Saturday said that the findings are “utterly false” while responding to a New York Times story on the study. Engagement with hateful content up by 372 per cent In mid-November, Elon Musk had said that hateful tweets would be “max deboosted & demonetized”, following which, the Twitter users wouldn’t see the content unless they search for it on the platform. ALSO READ | Macron not happy with Elon Musk relaxing Twitter moderation rules But the research found that engagement with hate speech has increased to indiscriminate levels since Musk took over the company. The average number of likes, replies, and retweets on posts with slurs was 13.3 during the weeks before Musk's takeover of the platform. ALSO READ | Twitter sees a surge of denialism claims, as scientists look for an alternative site Following Musk's takeover, the average engagements on hateful content have jumped to 49.5 — a whopping increase by 372 per cent — according to the report. Worrying jump in hate speech against Black people Before Elon Musk took over the platform, an average of 1,282 tweets with slurs against Black people appeared on a daily basis on Twitter. After Musk formally became Twitter's owner, this number jumped to 3,876 tweets. But last week, when Musk claimed that hate speech impressions were down by a third, the tweets with slurs against Black people went up even further to 4,650 tweets, the report said. Hate speech against transgender people up by 62 per cent The report found that slurs against transgender people — with 5,117 tweets at an average — increased by 62 per cent since Musk took over Twitter. The data was reportedly gathered using Brandwatch, a social media analytics tool, and included tweets from around the world in English. Why exactly Hate speech surging on Twitter? Twitter vice president of Trust and Safety Product Ella Irwin told Reuters that the platform is doing away with certain manual reviews rather than removing certain speech outright. The platform is now relying heavily on automation to moderate content. She said that Musk was focused on using automation more, arguing that the company had in the past erred on the side of using time and labuor-intensive human reviews of harmful content. "He has encouraged the team to take more risks, move fast, get the platform safe," Irwin said. Since taking over Twitter in late October, Elon Musk’s act of erratic firings of existing staff (by over fifty per cent) have reportedly gutted the trust and safety teams responsible for moderation, despite the continued concerns from civil rights groups over how hateful content could flourish on Twitter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Floodgates opened for hate speech against black, transgenders after Elon Musk's Twitter takeover

After the reported closure of Twitter's Brussels lobbying office, the European Union has expressed concern over the firm's increasingly falling staff numbers.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters in Dublin, EU justice commissioner Didier Reynders said "We have concerns about the decisions to have less and less people working at the company."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;EU innovates rule to stop misinformation, companies to sign digital services act

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This comes as a recent EU evaluation showed that the proportion of hate speech notifications examined by major social media companies within 24 hours has decreased from 90 per cent in 2020 to 81 per cent&nbsp;in 2021, and to 64 per cent&nbsp;in 2022.

It further revealed that among the major players only Youtube made improvements. Data showed that while Twitter and other tech giants made less of an effort, YouTube improved its removal rate for content deemed offensive as per an EU code of conduct.

An unnamed European Commission official is quoted by Reuters as saying "Twitter representatives reaffirmed the commitment of the company to ensure full compliance with EU rules. Commissioner Reynders took note of it and asked Twitter to translate this commitment into concrete measures."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-has-spoken-millions-vote-yes-to-elon-musks-poll-on-reinstating-suspended-accounts-537242">'Vox Populi, Vox Dei': Elon Musk announces reinstatement of suspended Twitter accounts</a>

The Digital Services Act, a new set of regulations, which go into effect in February 2024, mandates that online platforms do more to monitor the internet for illegal content or face fines of up to 6 per cent&nbsp;of their annual global revenue.

"When we discuss hate speech, I am sure we need human resources," said the EU justice commissioner Reynders as he addressed the media after a meeting with unidentified representatives from Twitter reports AFP.

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, concerns about layoffs have plagued the tech world.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-services-act-what-it-means-and-how-eu-will-regulate-tech-giants-473157">Digital Services Act: What it means &amp; and how EU will regulate tech giants</a>

Concerns were heightened when a Financial Times report said that the corporation had closed its office in Brussels as a result of the departure of executives in charge of measures to comply with the EU's online regulations.

Vera Jourova, vice president of the EU commission, also underscored the bloc's concerns.

Tweeting a link to the FT article she wrote, "I am concerned about the news of firing of a vast amount of staff of Twitter in Europe. If you want to effectively detect and take action against #disinformation &amp; propaganda, this requires resources. Especially in the context of 🇷🇺 disinformation warfare."

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I am concerned about the news of firing of a vast amount of staff of Twitter in Europe. If you want to effectively detect and take action against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/disinformation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#disinformation</a> &amp; propaganda, this requires resources. Especially in the context of 🇷🇺 disinformation warfare.<a href="https://t.co/Nji2w1ziiF">https://t.co/Nji2w1ziiF</a>
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"It's an additional concern, because to us to have a team dedicated to the relation with the European institutions is very important," said Reynders addressing the FT report, he added that in spite of this he was "optimistic by nature" and that he had been given assurances that the Dublin-based Twitter staff will take over the Brussels positions.

After acquiring the company last month, tech entrepreneur Musk has fired around half of Twitter's 7,500 employees, including those who were entrusted with battling misinformation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After the reported closure of Twitter's Brussels lobbying office, the European Union has expressed concern over the firm's increasingly falling staff numbers. Talking to reporters in Dublin, EU justice commissioner Didier Reynders said "We have concerns about the decisions to have less and less people working at the company.

After the reported closure of Twitter's Brussels lobbying office, the European Union has expressed concern over the firm's increasingly falling staff numbers. Talking to reporters in Dublin, EU justice commissioner Didier Reynders said "We have concerns about the decisions to have less and less people working at the company." Watch | EU innovates rule to stop misinformation, companies to sign digital services act This comes as a recent EU evaluation showed that the proportion of hate speech notifications examined by major social media companies within 24 hours has decreased from 90 per cent in 2020 to 81 per cent in 2021, and to 64 per cent in 2022. It further revealed that among the major players only Youtube made improvements. Data showed that while Twitter and other tech giants made less of an effort, YouTube improved its removal rate for content deemed offensive as per an EU code of conduct. An unnamed European Commission official is quoted by Reuters as saying "Twitter representatives reaffirmed the commitment of the company to ensure full compliance with EU rules. Commissioner Reynders took note of it and asked Twitter to translate this commitment into concrete measures." Also read | 'Vox Populi, Vox Dei': Elon Musk announces reinstatement of suspended Twitter accounts The Digital Services Act, a new set of regulations, which go into effect in February 2024, mandates that online platforms do more to monitor the internet for illegal content or face fines of up to 6 per cent of their annual global revenue. "When we discuss hate speech, I am sure we need human resources," said the EU justice commissioner Reynders as he addressed the media after a meeting with unidentified representatives from Twitter reports AFP. Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, concerns about layoffs have plagued the tech world. Also read | Digital Services Act: What it means & and how EU will regulate tech giants Concerns were heightened when a Financial Times report said that the corporation had closed its office in Brussels as a result of the departure of executives in charge of measures to comply with the EU's online regulations. Vera Jourova, vice president of the EU commission, also underscored the bloc's concerns. Tweeting a link to the FT article she wrote, "I am concerned about the news of firing of a vast amount of staff of Twitter in Europe. If you want to effectively detect and take action against #disinformation & propaganda, this requires resources. Especially in the context of 🇷🇺 disinformation warfare." I am concerned about the news of firing of a vast amount of staff of Twitter in Europe. If you want to effectively detect and take action against #disinformation & propaganda, this requires resources. Especially in the context of 🇷🇺 disinformation warfare.https://t.co/Nji2w1ziiF — Věra Jourová (@VeraJourova) November 24, 2022 × "It's an additional concern, because to us to have a team dedicated to the relation with the European institutions is very important," said Reynders addressing the FT report, he added that in spite of this he was "optimistic by nature" and that he had been given assurances that the Dublin-based Twitter staff will take over the Brussels positions. After acquiring the company last month, tech entrepreneur Musk has fired around half of Twitter's 7,500 employees, including those who were entrusted with battling misinformation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As incidents of online hate speech go up, European Union expresses concern about Twitter layoffs

A day after Twitter changed its CEO, the social media giant has now introduced a tightening of rules. In a stepping up of the network's policy, the platform has now banned users from sharing private images of others without their consent.

Twitter now allows non-public figures to request that pictures or videos of them that appear to have been posted without their permission be taken down.

The company emphasised that the policy does not apply to "public figures or individuals when media and accompanying tweet text are shared in the public interest or add value to public discourse."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-praises-elevation-of-parag-agarwal-as-twitter-ceo-usa-benefits-greatly-from-indian-talent-432887">Elon Musk praises elevation of Parag Agarwal as Twitter CEO: 'USA benefits greatly from Indian talent'</a>

"We will always try to assess the context in which the content is shared and, in such cases, we may allow the images or videos to remain on the service," the company added.

The right of internet users to challenge third parties who post their images or data to platforms, especially when the third party is using them in a malicious way, has been debated for years.

Currently, Twitter prohibits publishing private information such as a person's phone number or address, but there are "growing concerns" about the use of content to "harass, intimidate and reveal the identities of individuals," the company said.

The company noted a "disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/jack-dorseys-successor-at-twitter-who-is-parag-agrawal-432834">Also read | Jack Dorsey's successor at Twitter: Who is Parag Agrawal?</a>

As with other social media platforms, Twitter has had trouble combating bullying, misinformation and hate-filled content.

One of the more prominent examples of online harassment is the barrage of racist, sexist, and homophobic abuse on Twitch, the world's largest video game streaming site.

Yet harassment is common, and victims must often wage lengthy legal battles to have hurtful, insulting or illegally produced images of themselves removed from online platforms.

Watch |&nbsp;Jack Dorsey steps down as Twitter CEO, Indian origin Parag Agrawal to be his successor

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The tightened policy prompted some Twitter users to ask for clarifications.

"Does this mean that if I take a picture of, say, a concert in Central Park, I need the permission of everyone in it? We diminish the sense of the public to the detriment of the public," tweeted Jeff Jarvis, a journalism professor at the City University of New York.

Just a day before Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey announced his departure from the company and passed CEO duties to company executive Parag Agrawal.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Twitter changed its CEO, the social media giant has now introduced a tightening of rules. In a stepping up of the network's policy, the platform has now banned users from sharing private images of others without their consent.

A day after Twitter changed its CEO, the social media giant has now introduced a tightening of rules. In a stepping up of the network's policy, the platform has now banned users from sharing private images of others without their consent. Twitter now allows non-public figures to request that pictures or videos of them that appear to have been posted without their permission be taken down. The company emphasised that the policy does not apply to "public figures or individuals when media and accompanying tweet text are shared in the public interest or add value to public discourse." Also read | Elon Musk praises elevation of Parag Agarwal as Twitter CEO: 'USA benefits greatly from Indian talent' "We will always try to assess the context in which the content is shared and, in such cases, we may allow the images or videos to remain on the service," the company added. The right of internet users to challenge third parties who post their images or data to platforms, especially when the third party is using them in a malicious way, has been debated for years. Currently, Twitter prohibits publishing private information such as a person's phone number or address, but there are "growing concerns" about the use of content to "harass, intimidate and reveal the identities of individuals," the company said. The company noted a "disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities." Also read | Jack Dorsey's successor at Twitter: Who is Parag Agrawal? As with other social media platforms, Twitter has had trouble combating bullying, misinformation and hate-filled content. One of the more prominent examples of online harassment is the barrage of racist, sexist, and homophobic abuse on Twitch, the world's largest video game streaming site. Yet harassment is common, and victims must often wage lengthy legal battles to have hurtful, insulting or illegally produced images of themselves removed from online platforms. Watch | Jack Dorsey steps down as Twitter CEO, Indian origin Parag Agrawal to be his successor The tightened policy prompted some Twitter users to ask for clarifications. "Does this mean that if I take a picture of, say, a concert in Central Park, I need the permission of everyone in it? We diminish the sense of the public to the detriment of the public," tweeted Jeff Jarvis, a journalism professor at the City University of New York. Just a day before Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey announced his departure from the company and passed CEO duties to company executive Parag Agrawal. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter tightens rules, bans sharing people's photos without consent