Twitter Subpoenas Sen. Elizabeth Warren Over Data Breaches

Twitter has issued a subpoena for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) regarding her communications with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The purpose of the subpoena is to challenge a recent consent order related to data breaches.

According to Reuters, this development follows Twitter CEO Elon Musk’s purchase of the popular social media platform in October. When he took control, the company laid off employees and cut costs, raising questions at the FTC about whether Twitter can comply with the consent order.

Warren’s office was one of several Democratic senators asking the FTC to investigate Twitter’s policies on privacy and consider possible action against executives. As part of its subpoena, Twitter is requesting Warren’s office turn over any communications with the FTC or SEC relating to her letter, and any related communications between her office and Musk.

“It’s incredibly important that Twitter and its CEO rigorously adhere to online privacy and data security standards,” Warren said in a statement. “That’s why I sent a letter to the SEC on Monday seeking answers and, before that, wrote a letter last year expressing my concern over potential conflicts of interests with Tesla.”

Read more: Elon Musk Criticizes FTC Overreach On Twitter

The FTC filed a complaint against Twitter in 2011 related to its security practices, saying the company had “serious lapses” in its protection of user information. Last week, Twitter filed to end that agreement, prompting widespread criticism from senators and other public figures.

Warren was among the group of Democratic senators who sent a letter to Twitter last month expressing their concerns over data breaches. As part of the letter, the senators noted that Twitter’s lack of security could potentially violate the 2022 consent decree yet again.

“Twitter responded to a request for comment by sending a poop emoji, as is its standard practice,” a spokesman for the company said.

This isn’t the first time that Warren has expressed her concern over the potential privacy risks posed by big tech companies. Warren is known for her ongoing criticism of the practices of companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google, and her actions this time around are no exception.

The full scope of the FTC’s investigation into Twitter is not yet known, but Warren’s commitment to data security and privacy shows that she is willing to take action in this matter. It remains to be seen how the FTC will respond to the latest developments.

Source: Reuters