Elton John takes swipe at Elon Musk as he announces he will quit Twitter over changes to ‘misinformation’ policy
Elon Musk was recently warned that he has to increase measures to protect users.
Reuters/PA
Elton John has taken a swipe at Elon Musk as the star announced he would be leaving the platform over its change in misinformation policy.
The 75-year-old musician’s comments come after new Twitter owner Elon Musk said he is granting an “amnesty” for suspended accounts, which experts predict will spur a rise in harassment, hate speech and misinformation.
Sir Elton said on Twitter: “All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world.
Elton John has taken a swipe at Elon Musk
Joe Giddens
“I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.”
Tesla chief executive Mr Musk was recently warned by Thierry Breton, the EU’s commissioner for digital policy, that he has to increase measures to protect users so Twitter avoids violating rules that threaten tech giants with big fines or even a ban in the 27-nation bloc.
Mr Musk was told he has to significantly increase efforts to comply with the new rules, known as the Digital Services Act, set to take effect next year.
Last week it was announced that Sir Elton’s last UK gig would take place at Glastonbury next year.
Elon Musk was recently warned by Thierry Breton, the EU’s commissioner for digital policy, that he has to increase measures to protect users
Aly Song
After the announcement on Friday morning, Sir Elton said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be headlining the Pyramid Stage.
“As the end of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comes into view, there is no more fitting way to say goodbye to my British fans.
“They have been beyond brilliant, and have supported me through all the highs and lows of my career.
“Every week I speak to new artists on my radio show and Glastonbury is often cited as a pivotal moment in launching their careers – the festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired.
“I’ve been talking to Emily Eavis about it over the last few weeks and I can’t wait to embrace the spirit of the greatest festival in the world. It’s going to be incredibly emotional.”