Elton John quits Twitter blaming change in misinformation policy

Since Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, purchased Twitter, Sir Elton John has become the most recent famous person to do so.

The artist, who will perform as the opening act at Glastonbury Festival in 2019, cited the platform’s “change in policy” regarding false information without going into further detail.

Last month, Twitter stopped taking action against accounts that propagated false information regarding COVID-19.

Sir Elton’s announcement prompted Mr Musk to express his hope that the performer would return.

The Rocket Man singer said in what may have been his final-ever tweet: “All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together.” But I find it upsetting to observe how disinformation is currently being manipulated to polarise our planet.

“He continued; I’ve decided to stop using Twitter in light of their new policy change, which will allow disinformation to proliferate unchallenged.”

“I adore your music,” the divisive CEO of Twitter, who adopted the title Chief Twit after purchasing the company, wrote in response to the article. I wish you would return. Are you particularly worried about any false information?

There has been debate around the COVID policy roll-back as well as other actions, including restoring some previously suspended accounts and charging users for their “blue tick,” after Mr Musk completed his $44 billion (£38.1 billion) buyout of Twitter in October.

In its wake, a number of well-known figures have permanently left Twitter, citing the new CEO as their primary motivation.

Among celebrities who have left the social networking platform are musicians Jack White of the White Stripes, actors Jim Carrey and Whoopi Goldberg, and supermodel Gigi Hadid.

On Wednesday, November 23, Twitter reportedly stopped taking action against tweets that violated its previous coronavirus guidelines.

As of September of this year, it has already acknowledged suspending more than 11,000 accounts due to false information concerning the malware.

According to Twitter’s COVID-specific policy, accounts publishing “demonstrably inaccurate or misleading” content that could “lead to considerable risk of injury” (such as exposure to COVID or harm to public health systems) were subject to a “five-strike system.”

There would be no repercussions for accounts that tweeted false information once. However, if they accrued five strikes against their account, repeat offenders could have their privileges suspended for a few hours, days, or even permanently.