The Media Faces A Shakeup With Twitter's New Owner

Will a new owner mean new rules for the platform?

Over the last decade, social media has changed dramatically. From its origin, the idea of social media has been a hub for opinions, thoughts, and ideas, allowing almost everyone to see and comment on subjects. In recent years conversations have increased around social media regulation, the importance of free speech, and the protection of private companies.

This week one leading media platform announced a significant change that has many wondering what the impact will be on the platform's future.

Twitter announced they accepted an offer from Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk to purchase the platform for $44 billion. This announcement garnered major media coverage and reignited a passionate debate about censorship vs. free speech.

As a private company, Twitter can set its own community guidelines for users to follow to create safe online debates. However, some users consider these rules to be censorship or regulation of their first amendment rights.

Many critics of the media company were glad to see the change in leadership at Twitter. Musk is known for being critical of media giants and blanket regulations. With Musk at the helm of one of the largest social media platforms, questions are circulating about if he will take action to lift community guidelines and restrictions.

Free speech is the first and arguably the most important amendment in America. Other nations' laws treat speech much differently than those of the U.S. Citizens of the U.S. can speak freely about politicians or public figures without the fear of government regulations and censorship.

Social media is also a place where many people stay updated on news and current events. Restrictions on what can and cannot be shared may have an impact on the news users receive. Critics of Twitter's current community guidelines say it is only a step away from controlling speech in America.

While Twitter and Musk are having their run in the press, users are still operating under Twitter's current community guidelines. Musk has voiced support for removing regulation on the platform, which some think could signal a step in the right direction for major media organizations.