Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, alleged in a series of tweets that Apple threatened to delete Twitter from its app store without offering an explanation.
He also stated that the iPhone manufacturer has stopped putting adverts on social networking sites. Apple, according to the world’s richest man, is exerting pressure on Twitter over content control rules.
“Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?,” Musk said in a tweet. He also tagged Apple CEO Tim Cook’s Twitter account and asked, “What’s going on here?”
“The Twitter Files on free speech suppression soon to be published on Twitter itself. The public deserves to know what really happened …” added Musk in another tweet.
Apple has not acknowledged the action, but it would not be unusual given that the company frequently enforces its regulations. It previously eliminated apps such as Parler and Gab. In 2021, Apple reinstated Parler, a prominent social networking site among American conservatives, after the app improved its content and moderation methods.
Musk describes himself as a staunch proponent of free speech. Twitter has restored a number of accounts in recent days, including that of former US President Donald Trump. He attributes the pressure on advertising to protest groups.
Apple did not reply quickly to demands for comment, and Twitter has yet to respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the accusation.
The up to 30% commission Apple charges software developers for in-app purchases was one of the complaints Elon Musk listed on Twitter. Musk posted a meme implying he was prepared to “go to war” with Apple rather than pay the commission. The tweet, however, appears to be deleted now.
Epic Games, for example, has criticized the charge and launched litigation against it. Global regulators are likewise concerned about it. Musk may encounter criticism from the FTC if he attempts to expand Twitter’s subscription income, in part to compensate for the loss of advertising owing to concerns about content control.
Earlier in November, Musk stated that Twitter revenues had plummeted dramatically. Businesses such as General Mills Inc. and premium car manufacturer Audi of America have stopped or paused their Twitter advertising since Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. Ad revenue accounts for roughly 90% of Twitter’s revenue.
