A week after former Twitter cybersecurity chief Peiter Zatko first revealed security issues with the social media companyElon Musk, billionaire and CEO of Tesla, files a new letter of termination of the takeover of Twitter for 44 billion dollars citing the denunciations of the whistleblower.
Main facts
In a new document filed Tuesday with the SEC, Elon Musk briefed Twitter’s legal team on additional reasons behind his attempt to drop the high-profile acquisition, pointing to “certain facts” that “have since been uncovered.” brought to light” after Elon Musk’s initial decision to end the operation – and highlighting the issues raised by Peiter Zatko and Twitter’s alleged refusal to address them.
In his document, Elon Musk also accuses Twitter of not having complied with the decree of agreement concluded in 2011 with the Federal Trade Commission, in which the company committed to strengthening the confidentiality and security of users.
Elon Musk also cites allegations made by Peiter Zatko that Twitter management is ignoring security issues, alleged infringements of third-party intellectual property and its alleged decision to give the Indian government unrestricted access to its users’ data.
According to the filing, if Peiter Zatko’s allegations are true, Twitter is in violation of the merger agreement he signed with Elon Musk.
What to watch out for
This latest case comes a month and a half before Twitter’s lawsuit against Elon Musk’s cancellation of the deal goes to trial in a Delaware court. The five-day trial that begins in October will determine whether Elon Musk can opt out of the deal or if he will be forced to acquire Twitter, as per the original deal. Zatko’s latest revelations are likely to help Elon Musk, who continues to accuse Twitter of not taking action against spam or fake accounts.
The context
Last week, Peiter Zatko accused Twitter of misleading its investors, users and regulators about the platform’s security status and the extent of its spam or fake account problem. Peiter Zatko filed a lawsuit against the company with the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission, alleging that Twitter misled the FTC about its security and life protection measures. privacy of users, thus probably violating the agreement concluded in 2011 with the agency. Peiter Zatko claims he was fired last January by Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal after he argued with him over the company’s alleged decision to ignore issues he raised. Twitter dismissed Peiter Zatko’s claims, calling them “fundamentally, technically and historically inaccurate.” Peiter Zatko has been ordered to give evidence to the Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing on September 13.
Article translated from Forbes US – Author: Siladitya Ray
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