It doesn't matter who is running Twitter, how it is running is important: Antonio Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that he is not interested in who is running Twitter but is "extremely interested" in how the internet media platform is being run. Underlining the importance of ensuring freedom of expression, Guterres said this at a press conference here on Monday. Guterres was asked whether he thought Twitter owner Elon Musk was a threat to freedom of expression and whether would he be relieved if he stepped down as head of the internet media platform.

Musk had asked his followers questions about leaving the post

Twitter users voted on Monday for Musk to step down as head of the platform, CNN reported. Musk asked his 122 million followers whether he should step down as head of Twitter. There were 17 million votes on this survey, of which about 57.5 percent of people chose the option of yes. Musk tweeted on Sunday that should I leave the post of the Twitter chief. I will follow the result of the poll. He later said in a tweet that as the saying goes, make a wish wisely as it may come true.

Press freedom should not be in danger: Guterres

Guterres said social media platforms have a special responsibility in upholding press freedom as well as protecting against hate speech and forms of extremism. The head of the United Nations said that he would be very sad to see if the freedom of the press is in danger, journalists are not allowed to do their work, as well as the spread of hate speech. He said that therefore the owner of any platform My advice is to maintain freedom of expression, especially of journalists. At the same time, it should be ensured that hate speech and radical ideologues including white supremacists do not get a chance to pursue their interests on their platform.

Guterres has 2 million followers on Twitter. He was asked under what circumstances he would consider closing his account and whether he would be interested in meeting Musk. Guterres said that I will do what my conscience tells me to do at that time and what is right. It is better to maintain the account now as it has an important role to play. However, we will be aware of every situation. He said that the question is not who you meet. The question is whether your rules should be clear. Clear regulation is necessary to clarify the responsibilities of Internet media platforms.

Also Read: Elon Musk will resign as CEO of Twitter! Asked opinions from people by tweeting, said - I will do as I say