Brief news
Elon Musk clarified his comments about advertisers leaving his X social media platform during the Cannes Lions advertising festival. During the event, WPP CEO Mark Read questioned Musk about his statement to advertisers who were considering withdrawing their ads last year. Musk clarified that his statement was intended as a general observation about free speech, rather than a specific commentary on the advertising industry as a whole. He emphasised the importance of upholding free speech and standing against censorship for financial gain. Musk arrived in Cannes to provide reassurance to advertising groups and global brands regarding the future of X. Last year, major advertisers like Apple, IBM, Disney, and Sony withdrew their advertising from X due to Musk’s controversial comments and concerns about their ads appearing next to harmful content. At the 2023 DealBook Summit in New York, Musk firmly stated that advertisers should simply stop advertising on his platform. He softened his stance on advertisers, stating that advertisers have the freedom to choose content that aligns with their brand.
Illustrated news
Elon Musk attempted to clarify his previous comments regarding advertisers who have been leaving his X social media platform.
During the Cannes Lions advertising festival in Cannes, France, Musk was questioned by WPP CEO Mark Read about his comment to advertisers who were considering withdrawing their ads from the platform last year. Read asked Musk to clarify the meaning behind his statement.
Musk clarified that his statement was intended as a general observation about free speech, rather than a specific commentary on the advertising industry as a whole.
“It wasn’t appealing to advertisers as a whole,” Musk stated. “In regards to freedom of speech, I believe it is crucial to establish a worldwide platform that promotes unrestricted expression, allowing individuals with diverse perspectives to share their opinions.”
“There were instances where certain advertisers were demanding censorship,” Musk stated. “Ultimately, if faced with the decision between prioritising financial gain or upholding free speech, we would opt for the former.”
He emphasised the importance of upholding free speech and standing against censorship for financial gain, stating that it is the morally correct choice.
Musk arrived in Cannes earlier this week with the intention of providing reassurance to advertising groups and global brands regarding the future of X.
He was accompanied by Linda Yaccarino, X’s CEO and former chairman of global advertising and partnerships for NBC Universal.
Platform for unrestricted expression
Last year, several major advertisers, such as Apple, IBM, Disney, and Sony, withdrew their advertising from X due to Musk’s controversial comments and concerns about their ads appearing next to harmful content.
In November, Musk made a trip to Israel to hold discussions with local officials following accusations by civil rights groups regarding the promotion of anti-Jewish hatred on X.
During the 2023 DealBook Summit in New York, the tech billionaire was questioned about whether his trip was intended as a “apology tour” to advertisers. In response, he firmly stated that advertisers who were considering halting their spending on ads should simply stop advertising on his platform.
“Avoid advertising,” he stated during the November interview with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin. “If someone dares to attempt to manipulate me with advertising?” Are you trying to extort money from me? Go away.
Musk on Wednesday softened his stance on advertisers.
“Naturally, advertisers have the freedom to choose content that aligns with their brand,” he stated. It’s quite frustrating when individuals insist that platforms should only host content that aligns with their own views.
He emphasised the importance of X being a platform that promotes free speech while still adhering to legal boundaries.
Source : CNBC News
