A group of lawmakers and privacy experts have raised concerns about the security of user data on Twitter following the departure of key senior officials and the company’s recent acquisition by Elon Musk. In an effort to address these concerns, they have sent a letter to Twitter’s management, urging them to provide a comprehensive report ensuring that recent developments do not violate the 2022 consent decree issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The departure of senior management staff shortly after a change in ownership naturally raises questions about Twitter’s ability to fulfill its legal obligations, particularly with regard to user privacy and data security.
In 2019, Twitter faced a lawsuit alleging fraudulent data collection practices, where user data was allegedly shared with advertisers for targeted ad purposes. To resolve the matter, Twitter’s legal team reached an agreement to pay $150 million, effectively settling the case with the FTC and the Department of Justice.
However, recent reports suggest that the company failed to promptly notify the FTC within the required 14-day period about the change in ownership and management, potentially violating data protection laws.
Given these developments, the Senate has expressed concerns regarding trust and security surrounding Twitter’s handling of user data. As a result, they have requested the Twitter management to appear before a special committee within the next two weeks to provide an explanation and clarification of the company’s privacy and security standards.
This inquiry aims to address the growing apprehension among lawmakers and privacy experts, seeking reassurance that Twitter remains committed to upholding its legal obligations and safeguarding user data in the wake of recent leadership changes and the influence of its new owner, Elon Musk.
