Human Rights Campaign Responds to Elon Musk's Purchase of Twitter

$44 Billion Dollar Deal Raises Questions About Content Moderation, Safety for Marginalized People

WASHINGTON - October 28, 2022 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, issued a statement following Elon Musk completing his purchase of Twitter, one of the world's largest social media platforms:

"We are very concerned about Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. Musk has pledged to restore the accounts of dangerous people who push extremism and disinformation. When this happens, Twitter - a place where many marginalized people, including LGBTQ+ people, find both community and face an onslaught of hate - will quickly become even more hostile. Adding insult to injury, Musk's reported plans to cut staff levels - including employees who provide moderation - are deeply troubling," said Jay Brown, HRC's Senior Vice President of Programs, Research, and Training.

"As a company, Twitter has a right, and a responsibility, to keep its platform from being exploited to fuel a dangerous media environment. This isn't about censorship or discrimination of ideas - it is about what kind of company they want to be and what kind of world they want to shape."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.