Did Elon Musk purchase Twitter to defend free speech, or was it always a move to assert his political influence?
A detailed article in The Guardian claims that Elon Musk's recent focus on the UK is not related to his British-born grandmother but is instead tied to the impending enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA). Analysts believe Musk's political manoeuvres are designed to exert pressure on UK authorities as they prepare to implement the OSA. Imran Ahmed, head of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, views Musk's controversies surrounding "grooming gangs" as a distraction from his real intentions to oppose regulations that threaten his business.
Meanwhile, Andrew Chadwick, professor of political communication at the UK's Loughborough University, argues that Musk's actions are driven by economic and political motives, as the OSA could undermine his influence.
Enforcement of the OSA will depend on the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom. If Ofcom undertakes a progressive approach, it could add to global momentum to regulate X and other online platforms. Chadwick believes Musk may have "overreached" and that his aggressive tactics may lead to financial penalties for non-compliance, potentially complicating his business operations as the law moves closer to enforcement. Time will tell.
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