31.2 C
Accra
Thursday, February 6, 2025
WorldElon Musk to sue Microsoft for illegally using Twitter data and removing...

Date:

Elon Musk to sue Microsoft for illegally using Twitter data and removing its ads

Elon Musk, Twitter boss, has threatened legal action against Microsoft for allegedly utilising data from his social media firm without his consent.

“They trained illegally using Twitter data. Lawsuit time,” the multi-billionaire said in a tweet.

Mr Musk was responding to Microsoft’s plan to remove Twitter from its corporate advertising platform.

He did not provide further details or evidence to support the claim.

Microsoft declined to comment when approached by the BBC on Thursday.

Earlier, the company said in a notice that its advertising platform would “no longer support Twitter” from Tuesday 25 April.

As a result, ad buyers would not be able to access their Twitter accounts through Microsoft’s social management tool.

“Other social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn will continue to be available,” Microsoft said.

Twitter’s press email responded to a query with a customary poo emoji.

In a separate tweet, in the discussion about the social media platform’s data, Mr Musk said he was “open to ideas”.

“But ripping off the Twitter database, demonetizing it (removing ads) and then selling our data to others isn’t a winning solution,” he added.

In February, Twitter started charging for the data it collects from “hundreds of millions” of users, with a basic plan starting at $100 a month.

The data allows users to “manage and track every aspect of your social media presence”, according to the platform.

Since buying Twitter for $44bn (£35.4bn) in October, Mr Musk has cut its workforce by around 80% and moved to boost the company’s finances through measures including charging users for “blue tick” verification.

In recent months, major companies including iPhone maker Apple reportedly halted advertising on the platform over concerns about how content was moderated on the site.

In November, Mr Musk said Twitter had seen a “massive” drop in revenue and blamed activists for pressuring advertisers.

Speaking to the BBC last week, he said Twitter had just months left to live when he took over. He also said “almost all advertisers have come back or said they are going to come back” to Twitter.

Mr Musk added that Twitter could be profitable by the second quarter of 2023, and he would be willing to sell the company if the right person came along.

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Trade flow restored as Ghana Customs clears 1,000 containers in 10 days

Ghana’s trade sector is seeing renewed efficiency after the...

Video: Nana Ama McBrown receives exclusive 24-carat gold pack from Fameye

Rapper Fameye surprised actress and Onua Showtime host, Nana...

Lead galamsey fight – Armah-Kofi Buah charges Chiefs, traditional leaders

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi...

I have asked UG VC to reduce residential facility fees by 25% – Haruna Iddrisu

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has appealed to the University...

Related stories

“I still consider it my biggest failure” – Bill Gates on life after divorce

Bill Gates is speaking candidly about his divorce from Melinda French...

Kanye West reclaims title as wealthiest rapper, surpassing JAY-Z

Kanye West has reportedly reclaimed the title of the...

Meta offers TikTokers $5,000 to join Facebook, Instagram

Social media giant Meta has offered to pay up...

About 1,600 Capitol riot defendants pardoned by Trump

President Donald Trump has issued pardons or commuted sentences...

LIVESTREAMING: Swearing-in ceremony for Donald Trump

Today marks the beginning of Donald Trump's second term...

Inauguration Day schedule for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony today

Donald Trump will take the oath of office today...

WhatsApp to stop working on these devices in 2025

WhatsApp will soon cease supporting 18 Android models and...