(CBrief) – Twitter CEO Elon Musk and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) sparred on the platform after he suspended journalists from major outlets over a rules violation. Musk took action against reporters from the Washington Post, New York Times, and CNN for posting what he called “assassination coordinates.”
Fox News reported Friday that the New York Democrat was among a host of others who criticized Musk’s suspension of the left-leaning journos, accusing him of an “abuse of power” while imploring him to “lay off the proto-fascism.”
Musk responded by pointing out the journalists violated a new Twitter policy of posting real-time location information.
“Take a beat and lay off the proto-fascism. Maybe try putting down your phone,” AOC — who is a prolific social media user — told Musk in a tweet quoting one of his posts.
“They posted my exact real-time location, basically assassination coordinates, in (obvious) direct violation of Twitter terms of service,” Musk wrote Thursday.
“Accounts engaged in doxxing receive a temporary 7 day suspension,” he added.
Fox News reported that he also defended his decision in a Twitter Spaces conference call.
Musk added: “Criticizing me all day long is totally fine, but doxxing my real-time location and endangering my family is not.”
They posted my exact real-time location, basically assassination coordinates, in (obvious) direct violation of Twitter terms of service
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 16, 2022
Ocasio-Cortez went on to say that Musk, like her, is a public figure and, as such, can sometimes fall victim to real-time location exposure.
“You’re a public figure. An extremely controversial and powerful one. I get feeling unsafe, but descending into abuse of power + erratically banning journalists only increases the intensity around you,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote.
“As someone who has been subject to real + dangerous plots, I do get it. I didn’t have security and have experienced many scary incidents,” she noted further.
“In fact, many of the right-wing outlets you now elevate published photos of my home, car, etc. At a certain point you gotta disconnect,” she added.
As someone who has been subject to real + dangerous plots, I do get it. I didn’t have security and have experienced many scary incidents.
In fact, many of the right-wing outlets you now elevate published photos of my home, car, etc.
At a certain point you gotta disconnect.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 16, 2022
Musk blew off the New York Democrat’s advice and criticism with a dismissive, “You first.”
Fox News Digital added:
Earlier in the day, Musk banned journalists including CNN correspondent Donie O’Sullivan, New York Times technology reporter Ryan Mac, Washington Post reporter Drew Harwell, The Intercept journalist Micah Lee, Mashable writer Matt Binder, former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann and former Vox journalist Aaron Rupar.
He said the suspension would be lifted after seven days, but seemed to change his mind hours later as he polled his followers, asking them what course of action should be taken.
Later, Musk posted one of his signature polls asking if the suspended users should be reinstated immediately or after the seven-day period.
Unsuspend accounts who doxxed my exact location in real-time
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 16, 2022
conservativebrief.com/musk-aoc-69189/
