U.S.

Musk promised to unban Trump on Twitter

Ilon Musk said that when he buys Twitter, he will reverse the ban on former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Musk, the richest man in the world, has agreed to pay 44 billion for Twitter, which owns one of the most popular social networks. Once the acquisition of Twitter is complete, Musk is expected to lead the company. Musk calls himself an “abolitionist of free speech,” but has not elaborated on his plans to moderate Twitter.

The question of restoring Trump’s access to Twitter will be a litmus test for the seriousness of Musk’s intentions, although Trump himself has previously stated that he will not return to the social network.

Twitter, like other media platforms, has banned individuals for rule violations, particularly for spreading misinformation.

Musk, who spoke at a conference organized by the Financial Times, said that he and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey believe that permanent bans should be exceptionally rare, and that accounts that spread spam should be subject to them. “Incorrect and bad” tweets, according to Musk, should be deleted or become invisible, a temporary ban of the account is also possible, but a permanent ban – as Musk said – “fundamentally undermines the credibility of Twitter.”

Musk added that the decision to ban Trump contributed to the spread of Trump’s views among right-wing adherents, and called the ban “morally wrong and just plain stupid.”