Elon Musk's social media platform X has already changed its
policy around anti-trans harassment just days after announcing it. The new
policy that was introduced last week would reduce the visibility of posts that
misgender or deadname transgender individuals. However, after receiving
backlash from right-wing users, Musk assured them the policy would not affect
them. Now the policy has been officially altered.
The original policy stated that if a transgender person
reported a post that used different pronouns than what they identify with or
used a previous name, the post's visibility would be reduced. This was aimed to
discourage but not prohibit targeted harassment against trans users.
However, within a day of announcing this, influential
conservative voices on the platform complained directly to Musk. He tried to
calm them by saying they would not be suspended. But some like YouTube
commentator Tim Pool threatened to stop advertising on X over the policy.
In response, Musk engaged with Pool on the site, saying he
was "fixing" the policy. He later clarified that the policy was only
due to a Brazilian court ruling and should not apply elsewhere. And now the
official policy has been changed to reflect this. It now states the visibility
reduction will only happen where local laws require it. This means outside of
countries like Brazil, anti-trans targeting will not face any consequences on
X.
After Musk's acquisition of the platform, its previous rules
against misgendering and deadnaming trans users were removed. So the latest
policy was seen as reinstating protections to an extent. But the new owners'
pandering to right-wing backlash means even discouragement of trans harassment
is now absent from the rules.
Many are concerned this could normalize anti-trans behavior
on X. Protections for transgender people have been facing attacks recently in
some countries and online platforms. By caving to pressure so quickly, Musk's
decision raises questions about the company's commitment to inclusion.
Trans advocacy groups have criticized the reversal, with
some calling for organizations and individuals to stop using X altogether. They
argue no community should have to face targeted abuse to make others
comfortable.
And research has shown such harassment can seriously harm
transgender people's wellbeing and even increase suicide risks. It remains to
be seen how this will impact trans users on the platform moving forward. But
for now, Musk seems focused on not angering parts of his loyal fan base, even
if it means rolling back support for certain groups.
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