Users express worry as the platform deletes images and links from posts created prior to December 2014
Elon Musk, the proprietor of the app formerly identified as Twitter, acknowledges the possibility of the social media platform’s failure following a glitch that resulted in the removal of pictures posted before December 2014. In a post on the rebranded site X, Musk expressed, “The unfortunate reality is that there are currently no outstanding ‘social networks.'” He further stated, “We might face failure, as many have foreseen, but we are committed to making at least one attempt to succeed.
During the weekend, a platform glitch led to the removal of images and links from posts created before December 2014. Instead of the original pictures and videos, the posts displayed broken links.
Numerous users observed the glitch, with technologist Tom Coates being one of those who highlighted it. Coates described the glitch as “epic vandalism by Musk” and hinted at the possibility of it being a cost-saving measure.
Even Ellen DeGeneres’ renowned Oscars selfie from 2014 was initially deleted but later reinstated. This photo holds the record for the platform’s most retweeted photo, amassing over 2 million shares. However, former US President Barack Obama’s viral tweet following his 2012 election victory remained unaffected.
Certain users hypothesized that the glitch resulted from a cost-saving initiative on storage data, while others linked it to platform modifications in 2016. During that year, the platform introduced “enhanced URL enrichment” to display previews for linked websites and attachments beyond the company’s 140-character limit, as reported by The Verge.
This malfunction followed recent reports indicating slowed access from X to other social media sites, including Meta platforms like Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. The five-second delay also manifested in links to certain news sites such as the New York Times and Reuters.
Earlier in the year, users observed an inability to post or exchange messages, accompanied by a notification stating they had exceeded the “daily limit for sending tweets.” Direct messages were also nonfunctional. The company issued an apology for the inconvenience in a post. Past glitches have similarly rendered users unable to log in or view their own posts.
Since Musk took control, Twitter has undergone substantial job cuts, significantly reducing its workforce since November.
Despite the Tesla CEO’s assertive efforts to trim platform costs, he has encountered revenue challenges. Last month, he disclosed a 50% decline in advertising revenue and a substantial debt burden. The platform is burdened with annual interest payments amounting to $1.5 billion, stemming from the debt it acquired as part of the $44 billion deal last October that transitioned the company into private ownership.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the social media company is also facing lawsuits claiming over $14 million (£11 million) in unpaid bills since Musk assumed control.