IBM has suspended its advertising on X, previously known as Twitter, following a discovery that its adverts appeared alongside antisemitic content. A spokesperson from the platform informed CNBC via email that the accounts posting such content would no longer generate revenue from ads.
IBM’s decision to pause advertising comes amid concerns over hate speech. IBM told CNBC that they have zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and are investigating this unacceptable situation.
Media Matters for America released a report indicating that ads from companies like Apple, Bravo, Oracle, and IBM were found next to posts promoting Hitler and the Nazi Party on the platform.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, has been working to regain advertisers who withdrew their campaigns after Musk’s acquisition last year. Despite the rise in controversial content on the platform, as noted by researchers and advocacy groups, X disputes these claims.
The platform’s spokesperson also mentioned that their advertising system does not intentionally align brands with such content. Media Matters, they claim, actively seeks these posts to link them with advertisers.
Comcast, owning Bravo and Xfinity and parent of CNBC, is also reviewing the situation. Apple and Oracle have yet to respond to requests for comment.
IBM’s action follows Musk’s recent actions, where he amplified an antisemitic post and criticized the Anti-Defamation League. This led to responses from ADL’s CEO Jonathan Greenblatt and a statement from 163 Jewish leaders under the banner X Out Hate, urging companies like Disney, Apple, and Amazon to cease advertising on X. They also appealed for the removal of X from Apple and Google’s app stores. The X Out Hate campaign initially raised concerns about antisemitism on the platform in September.
See first source: CNBC
FAQ
1. Why did IBM halt its advertising on X?
IBM stopped advertising on X after discovering their ads were placed next to antisemitic content.
2. What will X do about accounts posting hate speech?
X has stated that accounts sharing antisemitic content will not be able to generate ad revenue.
3. What recent controversy involves Elon Musk, the owner of X?
Elon Musk, also the CEO of Tesla Inc., recently shared an antisemitic post on X, sparking controversy.
4. What did Media Matters for America’s report reveal about X?
The report found that ads from IBM and other companies appeared next to posts promoting Hitler and the Nazi Party on X.
5. How is X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, addressing the loss of advertisers?
Linda Yaccarino is working to win back advertisers who left X after Elon Musk’s acquisition.
6. What is X’s stance on the alignment of brands with controversial content?
X stated that their advertising system does not intentionally place brands next to such content.
7. Have other companies like Comcast, Apple, and Oracle responded?
Comcast is investigating the situation. Apple and Oracle have not yet responded.
8. What was the reaction to Musk’s actions on X?
The Anti-Defamation League’s CEO and 163 Jewish leaders under X Out Hate criticized Musk’s actions, calling for companies to stop advertising on X.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Carson Masterson; Unsplash – Thank you!
