Senate Dems Demand FTC Twitter Probe; Twitter Denies Security Claims

Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also sounded the alarm on reports about how Twitter, according to Markey, “systematically and repeatedly failed to take basic security measures to protect its user data and has misled investors, regulators, and the public about the strength of its security systems.” Blumenthal cited information from whistleblower Peiter Zatko, a senior cyber executive for the company 2020-22: “These troubling disclosures paint the picture of a company that has consistently and repeatedly prioritized profits over the safety of its users and its responsibility to the public, as Twitter executives appeared to ignore or hinder efforts to address threats to user security and privacy.” Zatko was fired in January for “ineffective leadership and poor performance,” a Twitter spokesperson said Tuesday. “What we’ve seen so far is a false narrative about Twitter and our privacy and data security practices that is riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies and lacks important context.” His “allegations and opportunistic timing appear designed to capture attention and inflict harm on Twitter, its customers and its shareholders.” Allegations of “widespread security failures at Twitter, willful misrepresentations by top executives to government agencies, and penetration of the company by foreign intelligence raise serious concerns,” said Durbin. Durbin said he will continue investigating and take further steps as needed. The company entered into its 2011 consent decree with the FTC and DOJ. The FTC confirmed receiving the letters but didn’t comment.