So-called bot accounts play an important role in this message. The term “bot” is derived from the English word for robot. As we know from robots, Internet bots are also programmed to perform repetitive tasks. This means that they execute commands in the form of algorithms. So you can say that bots are programs that act independently and automatically and do not rely on human participation or monitoring.

What does a bot have to do with Twitter?

A bot on Twitter can follow certain hashtags, tweet or retweet, or even reply to them.
Bot is a program that independently posts content on Twitter. Fake or spam accounts are automated and not operated by human users. They may use the reply function or direct messages to send advertisements or scams to users, or attempt to influence public discourse by tweeting political propaganda to influence opinion. Other fake accounts exist solely to boost individual users' followers, likes, and retweets. They can also drive up Twitter's daily user numbers - currently 229 million.

And what does a bot have to do with Elon Musk?

A lot at the moment, because the Tesla boss's planned takeover of Twitter could fail due to bot accounts or Musk could at least try to renegotiate the price.
As is known, Elon Musk's takeover plans had already progressed to such an extent that Musk had already convinced the board of directors and within the community it was also assumed that the deal with the $44 billion purchase offer had been completed.

But now it is Musk himself who is putting a stop to the change of ownership. The reason: It's exactly about these bots. A few weeks ago, Twitter reported that less than five percent of accounts were controlled by bots. However, these figures are too low for the tech billionaire. He assumes that the number of fake accounts is much higher and calls for the purchase price to be renegotiated.

Elon Musk had not inquired about the situation regarding bots and fake accounts before the takeover deal and now estimates the proportion of bot accounts - without disclosing a source - at 20 percent. How he arrived at this number is unknown. On the platform itself, he states that his offer is based on the SEC filings being accurate. He further claims that Twitter's CEO publicly refused to provide proof of <5%. The deal cannot move forward until proof is provided.

The debate will be held publicly on Twitter. CNN also reported that Musk questioned in a tweet that more than 95% of daily users are real people. He asked his followers whether anyone had experience with this.

Standard.at clearly summarized Elon Musk's demands in the headline of an article: "Elon Musk wants to reduce the price of Twitter in proportion to the number of bots." If the purchase price were reduced by a quarter, it would be 33 billion Dollar.

And what does Parag Agrawal say about this?

In several tweets, the Twitter boss tried to explain why estimates of the number of bot accounts from someone outside the company are not possible. He also added that some accounts that exhibit the characteristics of spam accounts are actually run by real people. And some of the spam accounts, on the surface, again look completely legitimate. Agrawal explained that combating automated spam accounts is a "dynamic" process that requires fighting "sophisticated and elusive" actors.

Agrawal attempted to address Musk's concerns in a lengthy tweet thread, explaining the issue "in terms of utility or data, facts and context."

Elon Musk commented with a poop emoji.

According to CNN , “Twitter is committed to completing the transaction at the agreed price and terms as quickly as possible.”

In any case, Musk could use the debate to achieve a better price for the platform. A court would have to decide whether this debate about bot accounts is enough to cause the deal to collapse. In any case, according to the agreement, there would be a fine of one billion dollars. Twitter continues to adhere to the agreement and therefore the deal – if shareholders approve. However, a failed deal would have a massive impact on Twitter's share price.

Dan Ives and John Katsingris, analysts at Wedbush, commented on the situation,
CNN "The bot issue at the end of the day... feels to us more like the 'dog ate the homework' excuse to reject the Twitter deal or to achieve a lower price.”

You might also be interested in: Monkeypox: The Tabloid Sin!

Source: Ionos , Standard , Handelsblatt , CNN , The Guardian


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