For our project "History of Twitter (X) and its Ethical Dilemmas," we aim to delve into the moral foundation and evolution surrounding the use of public tweets as data, particularly focusing on Twitter's role as a private company and platform for communication and information. Our primary concern revolves around the issue of censorship and regulation on Twitter. We will explore how Twitter's past and current state as a company have affected users’ freedom of expression and access to information. We will investigate cases of censorship, what current owner Elon Musk's intentions for the company are, and the balance between safeguarding users from harmful content while preserving the open exchange of ideas. With our in depth analysis of real-world examples and scholarly research, we aim to shed light on the complexities of regulating public discourse on social media platforms in general, but mostly Twitter.

What is Twitter? 

Twitter, a free social networking site, has revolutionized the way people communicate and share information online since its launch in 2006. The platform allows registered users to post short messages called tweets, which can contain text, videos, photos, or links. Twitter's unique blend of blogging and instant messaging has made it a popular choice for individuals, businesses, and public figures alike. For Generation Z, Twitter has been a defining platform that they grew up with, shaping their online experiences and interactions.

Users rely on Twitter for various purposes, such as receiving updates from brands, interacting with friends, following influential people, and staying informed about current events. The platform's real-time nature has made it a go-to source for breaking news and many users take advantage the hashtag feature to stay up to date on certain events.

In October 2022, Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion and announced plans to rebrand it as "X" in July 2023. Musk's primary motivation was to create a super app combining payment services, messaging, and social media, while also promoting free speech on the platform. As a strong advocate for free speech, Musk plans to take Twitter private and steer it towards allowing a wider range of opinions and discussions. This approach aligns with his stance on creating a more open and unrestricted platform for public discourse. While the rebranding remains primarily a name change as of April 2024, Musk's acquisition of Twitter is driven by his desire to expand its capabilities as a super app and create a "digital town square" for the future of humanity.

How much do you already know about Twitter?