Tech

Are journalists the problem on Twitter?

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2022

Brittany Coles

Billionaire Elon Musk wants twitter to become the most accurate source of information about the world

But one digital media manager hit back, triggering thousands to join the debate on the new blue tick fee.

Are journalists the problem on twitter?

It all started with this tweet.

Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That’s our mission.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022

One digital media manager at a local government in Delaware hit back at Musk saying “I’ll let anyone who gives me money appear to be a legitimate source of news, rather than just ensuring all legitimate sources of news are confirmed to be who they say they are”

https://twitter.com/kylegrantham/status/1589426750664347648

Grantham clearly taking a stab at the new blue tick fee Musk introduced to the social media platform since taking over.

Twitter just launched an updated version of its iOS app. The social media platform promises to allow users to pay a monthly subscription to receive a blue checkmark on their profiles, a feature that Elon Musk, the company’s new owner, has backed.

Musk replied back to the media manager, criticising the mainstream media industry.

You represent the problem: journalists who think they are the only source of legitimate information. That’s the big lie.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022

“You represent the problem: journalists who think they are the only source of legitimate information. That’s the big lie.”
musk, twitter

Grantham came back to Musk, concerned he is making money off verifying users, a feature that he believes (and many on the thread) should be free.

https://twitter.com/kylegrantham/status/1589427858031935489

https://twitter.com/kylegrantham/status/1589443408774692866

Well known people – also with a blue tick – chimed in replying to the thread, with very divided opinions on the matter

Um, professional journalists go to school to learn how to tell stories accurately and ethically … not everyone who has $8 does …
— Joshua Basseches (@JoshuaBasseches) November 7, 2022

For example, @JudicialWatch does more significant "journalism" than too much of the big media.
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) November 7, 2022

Musk a week ago: Tweets a conspiracy theory about an attack on the octogenarian husband of the Speaker of the House from a far right conspiracy website. He gets fact checked based on the actual work of journalists and deletes the tweet.

Musk today: Who needs journalism anyway?
— Walker Bragman (@WalkerBragman) November 7, 2022

Journalists are a dying profession same as stage coach drivers and horseshoe makers. The internet has made that profession obsolete. The Ukraine war is playing out on Twitter and Telegram, we see what's happening and journalists can't manipulate like they used to.
— Jes_J_Bel (@Jes_J_Bel) November 7, 2022

One science reporter asking twitter users – Is Elon Musk a trustworthy source of the truth because he has a blue check?

Except that he’s not a reporter, he’s the digital media manager of a small county government.

Is Elon Musk a trustworthy source of the truth because he has a blue check?
— Benjamin Ryan (@benryanwriter) November 7, 2022

Crypto influencer Matt Wallace wrote “Blue check journalists have blasted Elon Musk with lies on Twitter for over a decade. So he spent 44 billion on Twitter and decided to make them all pay him $8” to his almost 700,000 twitter followers.

It is fact that journalists are not the only sources of legitimate information but are trained to observe ethical conduct, verify news, check credibility.

But does a blue tick mean the user is tweeting factual information? Harkov’s point has gained likes on the thread and says “blue checks without any verification process will make it harder to figure out what is legitimate information.”

I’m a journalist. I don’t think I’m the only source of legit information, by far. That being said, the fact that people – again, not only journalists – can get blue checks without any verification process will make it harder to figure out what is legitimate information.
— Lahav Harkov (@LahavHarkov) November 7, 2022

https://twitter.com/LouPas/status/1589467966319382528

A U.S. journalist advocate thinks journalists create demand for twitter because its where news breaks first.

What side of the fence you sit on when it comes to being verified on twitter? tweet us @tickernewsco

Related Topics:Featured Politics trending

Up Next

Why has Elon Musk sold billions of Tesla stock AGAIN?

Don't Miss

COVID delays in China – so when will you get the new iPhone 14?

Brittany Coles

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.