Musk’s X delays access to content on Reuters, NY Times, social media rivals

Social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, temporarily postponed access to links leading to content on websites such as Reuters, New York Times, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. According to a Washington Post report, clicking on links from X to these sites resulted in a delay of approximately five seconds before the webpage loaded. Both the Washington Post and Reuters confirmed the delay through tests they conducted. The delay was later removed by X, although the company did not provide further details when questioned.

Elon Musk, the billionaire who acquired Twitter in October, has a history of criticizing news organizations and journalists who have portrayed his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, in a negative light. Twitter had also previously restricted users from sharing links to competing social media platforms.

The New York Times and Reuters expressed concern over the link delay and its reasons. The New York Times spokesperson stated that they hadn’t received an explanation from X about the delay and expressed unease about potential targeted pressure on news organizations without clear justification. Reuters also acknowledged the report and stated they were investigating the matter.

Source : CGTN