Twitter’s board approves Musk deal as the landscape tightens
Shareholders on Tuesday gave their blessing to the deal that would see Twitter change hands from Elon Musk, closing a lengthy chapter that began with an April agreement. The sale, valued at about 44 billion dollars, moves forward at a price of 54.20 dollars per share, a figure previously set by the board and Musk. Even as the vote clears a formal hurdle, the terms and timing could shift in the weeks ahead as regulators and the courts weigh in on the matter.
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Former Twitter security chief says the social network failed to protect user data
In the run up to Tuesday’s approval, questions swirled about the deal’s trajectory. On May 13, Musk paused the purchase to verify concerns about bot accounts, with the aim of ensuring the agreement reflects a realistic view of the platform’s audience. The pause intensified the legal dispute and set the stage for a lawsuit slated to begin in mid October. The pause also reinforced a broader debate about the platform’s audience quality and the accuracy of its user metrics.
Just before the vote, testimony before Congress raised questions about the platform’s security and privacy practices. The former Twitter security chief, Peter Zatko, challenged regulators with claims that the company misrepresented its defenses against spam and interference from foreign actors. His testimony painted a picture of systems that could be vulnerable and not fully transparent, a narrative that has resonated through the ongoing conflict.
Escalating tensions in the case
The company maintains that Zatko’s criticisms are overstated, yet the allegations add new pressure for the board and may influence the courtroom showdown with Musk. The former chief warned regulators about insufficient steps to curb spam and unsolicited messages, and he claimed to have warned Musk about the company’s public image in the broader dispute. The disclosures suggest alignment with Musk’s concerns about fake accounts and inauthentic activity on the platform.
With Zatko’s statements now in the public domain, Musk’s team has emphasized the need for clarity on the bot matter as the case advances. A judge has allowed the former security head to testify and provide updated testimony during the October proceedings. Musk responded to the shareholder vote with his characteristic humor, posting a playful popcorn emoji that cast the legal clash as a public spectacle.
Beyond the courtroom, observers note that regulators could respond to Zatko’s findings with penalties or sanctions if investigations reveal serious lapses in governance and security. The broader regulatory environment adds another layer of risk for the social network as it navigates this high profile transaction and the ongoing questions about user experience, data protection, and platform integrity.
The unfolding narrative marks a pivotal moment for Twitter, its leadership, and its investors. The October proceedings will likely influence not just the timing of the sale but also the company’s approach to security, compliance, and trust in a digital economy where public scrutiny remains intense and persistent.