Elon Musk is not willing to rest from a single controversy after acquiring Twitter. In his latest tirade on the social network, the executive has charged with harsh opinions against Apple. In addition to seconding the comments of Epic Games to the define those of Cupertino as a monopoly comparable to that of IBM in the 80s, accuses it of constantly censoring its clients. And it is not the first time that he agrees with the creators of Fortnite.
Where did it all start? Elon Musk recently posted a tweet where he wondered why the company, in his words, “has stopped advertising on Twitter.” “Do they hate freedom of expression in the United States?” concludes the executive. In the publications, in fact, he directly mentioned Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.
As of this writing, Tim Cook has not responded to Musk’s questions. However, other users did, such as LBRY — a blockchain-based payment and file-sharing network. In its response to Elon Musk, the company claims the following:
During the Covid pandemic, Apple required our apps to filter out some search terms so they wouldn’t be returned. If we didn’t filter the terms, our apps couldn’t get into the store.
Apple may make good products, but it has long been an opponent of free speech.
LBRY goes on to explain that Apple allegedly rejected anything related to COVID-19, “including vaccines and human origin of the virus.” According to him, the companies were forced to create lists of different terms that should not appear in the resultsbut only for devices developed by Cupertino.
A classic case of Elon Musk: creating ghosts where there are none
In the end, this was the catalyst for Musk. “Who else has Apple censored?” he asked in another tweet. As often happens with the executive, he escalated things to the point of creating a bomb within his profile. A bomb that, we already knew, was related to the rumors that Apple and Google could remove Twitter from their app stores. “Rumors” Originated by Musk’s Supporterssince none of these companies have mentioned anything at all about it, at least not publicly.
Google and Apple have clear rules against apps that incite hateful language in their stores — which is why they vetoed Parler, the far-right alternative to Twitter. Of course, he already ensures that, in case this happens, is determined to launch its own mobile where users can use Twitter. Because apparently it’s easier to launch a whole line of smartphones than it is to control hate speech on your social network.
The real reason for Elon Musk’s anger with Apple
It is evident that the main reason for the anger of Elon Musk with Apple is related to the commission of 30% of the App Store. Why does it concern you? Because Twitter Blue, the subscription to its platform, will cost $8 per month. The aforementioned tax must be reduced from this amount as it is a recurring payment. So what’s going on here is Musk just doesn’t want to line Apple’s pockets. Even less when Twitter is so in need of generating income as soon as possible.
Interestingly, the new Twitter Blue will be available again this week after the initial fiasco, so the timing of his statements is no coincidence.
How long will this latest Elon Musk tantrum last? We have no idea. Of course, if there is something that is certain, it is that during the time that the executive extends, he will make sure to prepare the circus for his most faithful followers.