Elon Musk, an emblematic figure in the tech world and now owner of the social network X (formerly Twitter), has sparked passionate debates regarding his impact on the disinformation agenda and the lack of regulation within this platform. His controversial leadership raises questions about the use of X as a propaganda tool, while voices are being raised to denounce the consequences of such functioning on society. In this article, we dissect the issues surrounding Musk’s management of X, through expert analyses and testimonies regarding the nature of communication in the age of social networks.
A libertarian idiosyncrasy
Since 2022, Musk has taken the destiny of X into his own hands, promising to give a voice to minority ideas and what are considered alternative thoughts, under the aegis of the First Amendment of the American Constitution. Christophe Altacantara, a communication professor at Toulouse Capitole University, describes this posture as a manifestation of the libertarian ideology typical of tech giants like GAFA(M) (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft). According to him, the emphasis on this freedom of expression should not obscure the fact that it can also provide fertile ground for the dissemination of false information.
Disinformation and populist strategies
The post-Trump period has seen an exodus of internet users from the X platform, particularly from influential media such as The Guardian, which demonstrate a growing distrust of the network. During his reign, Musk has, on several occasions, relayed false rumors and even conspiracy theories. From the Capitol riot to questions concerning Covid-19, his interventions seem to indicate a manipulative use of data and opinions, often for personal or partisan purposes.
How can this transform X into a true disinformation network? The answer lies in the emotional exploitation that Musk uses to capture users’ attention, thereby initiating chain reactions based on fear and uncertainty. The algorithms of the platform, by their nature, favor content that elicits strong emotions and intensify polarization within the online community.
A cult of personality?
When Elon Musk resurfaces after interruptions due to legal issues, another trend has appeared: the billionaire’s tweets seem to be systematically promoted by the X algorithm. This has led observers to question the formation of a cult of personality around him. The absence of contradictions and debates regarding his ideas and initiatives gives the impression that X has become an echo chamber for Musk, inhibiting dissenting voices.
Between 2022 and 2023, accusations of harassment against individuals such as Yoel Roth, former head of Twitter security, have also been raised. This adds a concerning dimension to how Musk controls narratives on the platform, which could be perceived as an attempt to silence any opposition.
The grip of GAFA(M) on the State
With the recent appointment of Elon Musk, concerns are emerging regarding collusion between the private sector of GAFA(M) and governmental bodies. Musk, through his actions on X, seems to embody this new dynamic where tech actors seek to replace certain sovereign functions of the State. When a government attempts to impose regulations, it faces the power of web giants, which can exercise maneuvering tendencies, as illustrated by the case of the Australian government facing Google.
This phenomenon raises a global question: how far can an individual, even someone as influential as Elon Musk, impose his personal vision on platforms with such broad impact? Other nations, such as Denmark, are exploring the diplomatic path by fostering state-to-state relationships with tech companies, thereby establishing a fragile balance.
The evolution of X, under Elon Musk’s aegis, fits into a complex landscape of current social networks. The actors involved must navigate between perspectives of freedom of expression and issues of democracy, thus revealing a digital landscape in constant flux, often difficult to regulate.
