Twitter Takes on Microsoft Over Alleged Misuse of Twitter Data

Earlier this week, in an interview with CNBC, Twitter chief Elon Musk mentioned his propensity to tweet controversial and even, at instances, unfaithful issues, noting that:

“I’ll say what I want, and if the consequence of that is losing money, so be it.”

This has been a standard chorus for Musk, that regardless of paying $44 billion for the app, he’s not actually concerned about the financial aspect, and that he gained’t permit this component to impression his decision-making on the app.

Which, in some methods, is an admirable stance, underlining his said dedication to free speech, and permitting individuals to say what they like within the app. However however, Musk has fairness companions and buyers who could also be much less impressed with this strategy.

This has been highlighted once more right this moment, with Twitter sending a letter to Microsoft which accuses Microsoft of misusing Twitter information to coach its synthetic intelligence applied sciences.

As per The New York Times:

“In the letter, which was reviewed by The New York Times, Twitter said Microsoft had violated an agreement over its data and had declined to pay for that usage. In some cases, the letter said, Microsoft had used more Twitter data than it was supposed to. Microsoft also shared the Twitter data with government agencies without permission, the letter said.”

The letter is the most recent in Musk’s quest for retaliation in opposition to OpenAI, the corporate behind ChatGPT, and numerous different generative AI instruments.

Musk, who was an early investor in OpenAI, has repeatedly expressed his annoyance that his early $100 million ‘donation’ to the corporate has been used to remodel it right into a $29 billion business. And with Microsoft taking a large stake in OpenAI, it too now stands to profit – and as such, Musk now needs to claw again his share of that income consumption.

With this in thoughts, Musk has already restricted OpenAI’s access to Twitter data, which has been used to gas its generative AI fashions, whereas additionally rising how a lot it prices for all corporations to entry the identical. This newest push stems from Musk’s view that OpenAI benefited from Twitter information, which, once more, he sees as successfully stealing from him personally.

Musk’s public battle in opposition to OpenAI and Microsoft has already seen Microsoft remove Twitter from its Digital Marketing Center element, which is able to eradicate the promotion of Twitter adverts to Microsoft companions. It’s exhausting to say what sort of impression that’ll have on Twitter’s backside line, however with Twitter’s advert income – it’s major supply of revenue – already down by 50% since Musk took over, an additional decline of any type may very well be thought of vital.

However as Musk says, the cash isn’t his major concern. And whereas a public battle with a major advert companion isn’t an amazing look, Elon, as he’s proven, goes to do what he likes, whatever the penalties.

That features making choices based mostly on private grudges, which might impression all of Twitter’s companions.

It’ll be fascinating to see how this strategy modifications, or not, underneath incoming Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino, an advert trade veteran, who’ll be tasked with reigniting its enterprise relationships.

Will that see Twitter re-evaluate its strategy, or will Musk proceed to override Yaccarino in circumstances the place he has a private stake?