Twitter has filed a motion with a federal court to terminate a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) order that imposes data security restrictions on the company. The motion claims that the agency’s investigation of Twitter has become burdensome and the agency has lost objectivity. Twitter also seeks a stay on the order preventing the FTC from deposing Elon Musk, arguing that the agency’s desire to question him is part of its biased and improper conduct.
Twitter’s filing came just before FTC Chair Lina Khan’s testimony on Capitol Hill, where she faced criticism from Republicans for her alleged mismanagement of the agency and a politicized probe into Twitter. Rep. Jim Jordan, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, described the FTC’s actions as a “disaster” and accused them of targeted harassment against Musk. Jordan referenced Twitter’s filing, stating that the agency’s investigation amounted to a “shakedown”.
The FTC declined to comment on Twitter’s filing. In her written testimony, Khan focused on various cases the FTC is handling, including promoting competition, fighting fraud, and regulating artificial intelligence.
Twitter’s investigation by the FTC began before Musk acquired the company. Last year, the FTC started looking into a complaint from whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko, accusing Twitter of violating a 2011 order by burying security deficiencies. Twitter had previously agreed to implement adequate security measures and pay a $150 million fine for misrepresenting the security of user data.
