Elon Musk Was Warned to 'Fix Your Company or Congress Will' After Twitter CEO Replied to Sen. Ed Markey's Concern About Fake Verified Accounts
Twitter CEO Elon Musk has received a warning after he replied to Democratic Senator Ed Markey's concern regarding fake verified accounts.
On Friday, Markey tweeted to Musk asking why a Washington Post reporter was able to set up a verified account impersonating him.
The senator also attached a letter over the matter, which he sent to Musk. He noted in his tweet that the social media company should explain how it happened and how to prevent it from happening again.
A @washingtonpost reporter was able to create a verified account impersonating me—I’m asking for answers from @elonmusk who is putting profits over people and his debt over stopping disinformation. Twitter must explain how this happened and how to prevent it from happening again. pic.twitter.com/R4r7p6mduP
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) November 11, 2022
Musk replied to Markey by saying that maybe it was because his "real account sounds like a parody."
Perhaps it is because your real account sounds like a parody?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2022
Musk has recently implemented a new rule, wherein anyone can have blue checks on their Twitter account just by paying $8. The Twitter CEO also asked why Markey's profile picture was him wearing a mask.
Former Ohio Democratic state Senator Nina Turner tweeted that Ed Markey is an "elected official with constituents," adding "this isn't a game, dude."
Ed Markey Warns Twitter CEO Elon Musk
Ed Markey warned Elon Musk to "fix your companies or Congress will" after Musk replied to the senator's concerns regarding fake verified accounts on Twitter.
The senator noted that one of Musk's companies is "under an FTC consent decree," with auto safety watchdog NHTSA probing another "for killing people." He then accused Musk of spending his time "picking fights online."
One of your companies is under an FTC consent decree. Auto safety watchdog NHTSA is investigating another for killing people. And you’re spending your time picking fights online. Fix your companies. Or Congress will. https://t.co/lE178gPRoM
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) November 13, 2022
Markey is a member of committees that could affect Tesla, which was also owned by Musk. The senator has raised concerns over the electric vehicle maker's full-self driving software several times in the past.
Markey is a member of several committees such as Commerce, Science, and Transportation. He also oversees the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The senator wanted an answer regarding the fake verified accounts from Elon Musk by November 25.
Twitter Fake Verified Accounts
A Washington Post reporter wrote that he was able to quickly and easily set up a verified account impersonating Ed Markey. He previously got the senator's permission to conduct the test, Axios reported.
Other Twitter accounts were also created impersonating politicians, including President Joe Biden, other celebrities, and notable people. Fake verified accounts of brands also surfaced, announcing fake news.
Twitter then temporarily disabled sign-ups for the new service on Thursday night to address impersonation issues. However, some fake accounts were still active as of Friday. Markey then wrote that "selling the truth is dangerous and unacceptable."
Among the fake verified accounts was basketball star LeBron James who falsely tweeted that he was requesting a trade. Another fake verified account of former president George W. Bush popped up. The account tweeted: "I miss killing Iraqis."
There was also a fake account pretending to be pharmaceutical giant Eli Lily, falsely touting that "insulin is free now." An Eli Lily spokesperson noted that they are communicating with Twitter to respond on the matter.
Twitter Blue is Musk's first major product change. It was introduced after Elon Musk bought the social media platform for $44 billion.
Twitter's brand-new service comes with a blue check that previously signified legitimate accounts. The new Twitter CEO wanted the site to make money from it.
READ MORE: Elon Musk Warns World: Global Recession Could Last 'Until Spring '24'
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
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