Elon Musk announced on January 4 that he would modify Twitter's algorithm to prioritize 'educational or informative' content to reduce the impact of 'negative content.' However, this move has been seen by some netizens as 'censorship,' leading to significant backlash. This is also due to recent comments on immigration policy, which sparked intense debates with several opinion leaders.

'Negative content' targeted, Musk will adjust Twitter's algorithm

On January 4, Musk announced on Twitter that he would adjust the algorithm to allow more 'educational and informative' content to gain exposure. He stated that this move is to address the issue of 'excessive negative content' on Twitter. Musk emphasized that the goal is to make users' time spent on Twitter 'meaningful,' noting that while negative content may increase user engagement time, it does not provide a positive experience.

However, this statement has also drawn criticism from many netizens, with some questioning who has the authority to define what constitutes 'negative content,' and others directly asking Musk how the algorithm will 'determine negative content.'

The controversy over immigration policy sparked a war of words, with Musk accused of deleting privileges.

Just a few days before announcing the algorithm modification, Musk was embroiled in another controversy due to his comments on immigration policy. On December 28 of last year, he tweeted in support of H-1B foreign technical visas, stating that American companies have the right to hire foreign technical personnel and reform immigration policies to attract top global talent to develop in the United States.

However, this statement has elicited dissatisfaction from some conservatives, who believe that the U.S. does not lack local talent, and the government should reduce the number of immigrants. The debate quickly escalated, with some conservatives accusing Musk of deleting their premium account privileges, charging him with implementing censorship on Twitter.

Vitalik calls for the platform to uphold free speech

As the controversy intensified, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also joined the discussion, urging Musk to adhere to the principles of free speech and not to abuse his authority on Twitter by blocking users with opposing views. Vitalik commented under Musk's post: 'If the voice today is held by one group, it could fall into another group's hands tomorrow.'

This is not the first time Musk has faced criticism due to Twitter content; previously, his differing views with the Brazilian government on censorship issues led to Twitter being completely banned in Brazil.

The controversy over censorship has not subsided and may contradict its original intention

Previously, Musk had expressed dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's attempts to manipulate people's ideologies and incite negative emotions through Twitter, which led him to decisively acquire Twitter and declare it would become a 'sanctuary for free speech.' However, since the conflict with the Brazilian government and the controversy over immigration policy, some users with opposing views to Musk's have seen their rights restricted, seemingly contradicting Musk's original intention to 'consolidate' a sanctuary for free speech. Whether Musk can strike a balance between 'free speech' and 'platform regulations' in the future remains a focal point of public interest.

  • This article is reprinted with permission from: (Chain News)

‘Musk modifies Twitter's algorithm! Attempts to filter negative content, netizens criticize: 'You're the one setting the standard'’ This article was first published in 'Crypto City.'