Twitter bans ads that challenge the science of climate change

Twitter announced Friday that it will not allow ads that deny the reality of climate change.

Twitter’s announcement on Earth Day comes as the network tries to stave off an unwelcome purchase from billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who believes users should be able to express what they want on the web.

“Misleading ads on Twitter that go against the scientific consensus on climate change are prohibited, in line with our policy on inappropriate content,” Casey Junod, the company’s CEO of global sustainability, said via the platform’s blog.

“We believe climate change denial should not be monetized on Twitter, and such dishonest advertising should not undermine important discussions about the climate crisis,” he added.

Twitter last year introduced a topic feature that helps users find conversations about climate change, posting “trusted and trusted” information centers on a list of high-profile topics including the science behind climate change.

“We recognize that misleading climate information can undermine efforts to protect the planet,” Junod said.

“Now more than ever, meaningful climate action, on the part of all of us, is critical.”

Despite the temptation to access Musk’s fortune, Twitter isn’t keen on being under the scrutiny of the entrepreneur known for going straight to the point without thinking about the consequences too much.

The platform has taken steps to prevent Musk from controlling all Twitter posts, as concerns about the direction it could give the company’s management outweigh the reward offered.

In early April, Musk made an unsolicited $43 billion bid to buy the social network, saying he wanted to give it more freedom of speech.

Musk advocates a non-moderate approach to content, a particularly sensitive issue in the profiles of famous figures such as former US President Donald Trump, who was banned from the network after his supporters stormed Capitol Hill who opposed the results of the presidential election. November 2020 elections.

But Musk’s campaign has also raised concerns among free speech tech critics who point to Musk’s unexpected statements and track record, which run counter to his stated goals.

gc / dw / cjc