Consider This from NPR

Twitter's Safety Chief Quit. Here's Why.

Dec 2, 2022

Yoel Roth, the former head of trust and safety at Twitter, shares his insights on the chaotic aftermath of Elon Musk's takeover of the platform. He discusses the staggering increase in hateful content and the ensuing challenges of content moderation. Roth explains the complexities of maintaining a safe environment for users amid policy shifts and leadership changes. His resignation sheds light on the precarious balance between safeguarding free speech and protecting users from harmful ideas, while pondering the future of the platform under its new leadership.

14:12

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Yoel Roth

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Changes in Twitter's Safety Leadership and Implications for User Protection

2min

Twitter's Turbulent Transition

4min

Navigating Contradictions: Working with a Complex CEO

2min

Twitter's Governance Shift: Challenges Ahead

6min

It didn't take long for Elon Musk's stated vision for Twitter—a "digital town square" where all legal speech flows freely—to run head long into reality. Namely, the fact that many citizens of that town square want to share inaccurate, racist or violent ideas.

Yoel Roth used to lead the team that set the rules for what was allowed on Twitter, and aimed to keep users safe. Not long after Musk took over the company, Roth quit.

In an interview, he explains why he left and what he thinks is ahead for the company.

This episode also features reporting from NPR's Shannon Bond.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

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