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Elon Musk's social media platform, X, has undergone a significant reduction in its global workforce, shedding over 1,000 employees responsible for curbing abusive content online. The revelation comes from new figures released by Australia's eSafety Commission on Thursday, adding a fresh layer to the growing concerns surrounding the platform.
The Australian watchdog highlighted what it termed "deep cuts" within the teams dedicated to combating online abuse. The commission expressed particular unease about the reinstatement of thousands of previously banned accounts, creating what it referred to as a "perfect storm" for the proliferation of harmful content on X.
In recent months, the eSafety Commission has intensified its scrutiny of X, formerly known as Twitter, attributing a surge in "toxicity and hate" on the platform to Elon Musk's takeover. The latest data on workforce reductions raises questions about the platform's commitment to maintaining a safe online environment.
The impact of these cuts is underscored by the eSafety Commission's assertion that the reduction in staff directly correlates with a concerning uptick in harmful content. The move has ignited discussions about the efficacy of X's content moderation strategies under Musk's leadership.
As the commission delves deeper into the implications of these workforce changes, concerns are mounting globally about the potential consequences for user safety on X. The platform, once hailed for its role in facilitating communication and discourse, now faces increased scrutiny over its ability to curb the proliferation of abusive and harmful content.
The ongoing developments place Elon Musk's X at the center of a pivotal conversation surrounding social media responsibility, content moderation, and the delicate balance between free expression and the prevention of online abuse.
