X, formerly known as Twitter and currently owned by Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit against Media Matters and its writer Eric Hananoki, accusing them of spreading an “intentionally deceptive report” about antisemitism on the platform. The lawsuit claims that Media Matters manipulated X’s algorithm to create a false perception of common and widespread pairings of mainstream advertisements with pro-Nazi content.
The report released by Media Matters included screenshots of mainstream advertisements appearing beside objectionable content on X, leading to several major companies suspending their advertising on the platform. X alleges that Media Matters deliberately followed controversial accounts and large companies to present a distorted view of the advertising landscape.
In response to the lawsuit, X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino wrote that no authentic users on X saw the specific ads mentioned in the Media Matters article. X asserts that its safety protocols operate seamlessly under normal conditions and that Media Matters’ report created a misleading image.
Media Matters President Angelo Carusone dismissed the lawsuit as a “frivolous” attempt to silence X’s critics and reiterated their commitment to the accuracy of the report. The nonprofit organization, which aims to monitor and correct conservative misinformation in the U.S. media, stands by their findings.
The lawsuit, filed in Texas where X has significant business operations, accuses Media Matters of interfering with contract, business disparagement, and interference with prospective economic advantage. This legal action comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiates an investigation into potential fraudulent activity by Media Matters.
As the legal battle ensues, the underlying issue of antisemitism on social media platforms remains a concerning and relevant topic. Ensuring a safe and inclusive environment online continues to be a challenge, with platforms like X facing both scrutiny and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is X?
X is a social media platform formerly known as Twitter and currently owned by Elon Musk.
Q: What is Media Matters?
Media Matters is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on monitoring and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.
Q: What was the lawsuit filed by X against Media Matters about?
X filed a lawsuit against Media Matters over their report on antisemitism on the platform, alleging that the report was intentionally deceptive and manipulated X’s algorithm to create a false perception.
Q: What is the response from Media Matters?
Media Matters has criticized the lawsuit as a frivolous attempt to silence critics and maintain that their report was accurate.
Q: What actions have been taken by major companies in response to the Media Matters report?
Several companies, including IBM, Apple, and Disney, suspended their advertising on X following the release of the Media Matters report.