In a new federal lawsuit filed by X Corp., the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the company is suing the non-profit organization Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) for allegedly engaging in a scare campaign to drive away advertisers from the platform. X Corp. accuses CCDH of unlawfully gaining access to protected data from the platform, using flawed methodologies to create faulty narratives about the volume of harmful content on X, and demanding that platform providers kick targeted users off their platforms.
The lawsuit further alleges that CCDH's actions have resulted in the loss of tens of millions of dollars in revenue for X Corp. The company argues that CCDH's scare campaign and ongoing pressure on brands is an attempt to stifle freedom of speech on the platform, preventing public dialogue and access to free expression.
CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed responded to the lawsuit, stating that the organization has been transparent about its methodology. He argued that X Corp.'s CEO, Elon Musk, has been looking for a reason to blame CCDH for his own failings, claiming that Musk reinstated accounts that were suspended for spreading hate and disinformation on the platform.
X Corp. is seeking a jury trial, monetary relief, and a ban on CCDH and its employees from accessing licensing materials and certain data related to the platform.
In response to the impending litigation, CCDH argued that Musk's actions are an attempt to silence honest criticism and independent research in an effort to rebuild his relationship with advertisers.
As the legal battle between X Corp. and CCDH unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the allegations and what impact it will have on the future of the platform and its ability to address hate speech and harmful content.