28-9-2023 (CALIFORNIA) In a comprehensive interview at Vox Media’s Code conference, Chief Executive Officer Linda Yaccarino expressed optimism about the future profitability of social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Yaccarino, who recently completed her first 100 days as CEO, defended the company’s progress under the ownership of billionaire Elon Musk, addressing concerns about autonomy and advertiser appeal amid the platform’s rapid changes and Musk’s controversial image.
Yaccarino emphasized the unparalleled speed and ambition of X, stating, “The velocity of change and the scope of ambition at X really does not exist anywhere else.”
Regarding third-party estimates that indicated a decline in X’s active app users, with the platform falling to 25th place behind Samsung’s clock app, Yaccarino offered reassurance by stating that key metrics related to time spent on X were “trending very, very positively,” although she refrained from providing specific details.
Yaccarino also highlighted the return of approximately 1,500 advertisers to the platform over the past 12 weeks, with 90 percent of the top 100 advertisers reinstating their presence.
While Yaccarino expressed confidence in the company’s potential profitability next year, X is currently grappling with several lawsuits. These legal actions assert that X failed to pay office rent and millions of dollars in severance to thousands of laid-off employees.
Since Musk’s acquisition of the social media company in October, X has encountered challenges in retaining advertisers who were concerned about their advertisements appearing alongside inappropriate content. Researchers and activist groups have reported an increase in hate-filled posts on the platform.
In recent weeks, X has faced scrutiny for hosting antisemitic content. Musk recently threatened legal action against the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), accusing the nonprofit organization, which focuses on combating antisemitism, of being primarily responsible for a 60 percent decline in U.S. ad revenue at X.
Yaccarino addressed Musk’s conflict with the ADL, describing it as “disappointing” that the organization did not acknowledge the safety progress made by X. She earlier highlighted the implementation of new content moderation tools and features aimed at preventing ads from appearing alongside objectionable content, a development that occurred after Musk’s acquisition.
Yaccarino also defended Musk’s right to express his opinions on the platform, emphasizing, “Freedom of speech is only successful if someone you disagree with says something you disagree with.”
