X, a popular app formerly Twitter, has recently claimed the number one spot among free apps on Apple’s App Store. This achievement coincided with yet another celebrity image scandal or nude video that was going viral on the platform. The trending hashtag “Drake video” emerged as users speculated about a video allegedly featuring rapper Drake in a compromising situation.
ALSO READ: Twitter competitor Bluesky is set to launch
This incident follows closely on the heels of another scandal involving fake, AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift, which circulated on the platform in late January. X app faced challenges in containing the spread of these salacious celebrity images, even resorting to temporarily blocking searches for the artist’s name. However, these scandals did not seem to have a significant impact on X’s download numbers.
Elon Musk, the owner of X app, proudly announced the app’s rise to the top of the App Store list, taking a moment to mock media reports that often predict the demise of his companies. Musk stated, “If I had a dollar for every time the media reported that one of my companies was going to die, I would never need to raise money!”
In response to the recent scandals, X’s spokesperson, Joe Benarroch, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all users. Benarroch stated that X has a “zero-tolerance policy” for the sharing of nonconsensual nude images. The company has already taken action on thousands of posts and is actively monitoring the situation to promptly remove any new violating content.
Despite these claims, The Techjaja was able to find several posts featuring the alleged Drake video, some with millions of views, even after X’s statement. It is worth noting that Elon Musk had previously reduced the teams responsible for content moderation and safety features on the platform after assuming control of the company in 2022.
X understands the importance of addressing these image scandals promptly and effectively. The sharing of nonconsensual nude images is a serious violation of privacy and trust. The app’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all users should be reflected in their actions, ensuring that all violating content is swiftly removed and appropriate measures are taken to prevent future incidents.
While X’s popularity continues to soar, it is crucial that the company prioritizes the safety and well-being of its users. Striking the right balance between providing an engaging platform and upholding ethical standards is a challenging task, but it is one that X must tackle to maintain its reputation and user trust.
In conclusion, X’s recent rise to the top of the App Store amidst celebrity image scandals highlights the challenges faced by the platform. The company’s commitment to a safe and respectful environment is commendable, but it must back up its words with effective actions. By addressing these scandals promptly and implementing robust content moderation and safety measures, X can demonstrate its dedication to user safety and continue to thrive as a popular app.