Apple halts advertising on X again

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A recent report indicates that Apple has ceased to run ads on social media platform “X,” which recently found itself at the center of controversy. According to Axios, Apple and other companies have halted advertising on the platform after Tesla CEO Elon Musk endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory on “X.” This led to a call from 164 Jewish rabbis and activists for companies to cease advertising on the platform. Apple is not alone, as other major advertisers such as IBM, Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery have also stopped running ads on “X.” As per a Media Matters report, some advertisements from top companies were placed next to posts from far-right subscribers on “X,” which was highly criticized.

In response to a post on “X” promoting antisemitism, Musk made a controversial comment, drawing a rebuke from the White House. An official spokesperson stated that it is not acceptable to repeat such “hideous lies.” “X” CEO Linda Yaccarino also responded to the criticism via social media. She stated that “X’s point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should stop across the board.” She emphasized the platform’s efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination.

Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform for $44 billion was followed by a rebranding from Twitter to “X.” His vision involved turning “X” into a multi-functional “super app.” One that offered mobile payment features alongside social media capabilities. However, with the recent loss of important advertisers, “X” is in search of alternative sources of income.