Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur, has once again captured the headlines with his rebranding of Twitter using a new logo – X. This bold move is part of Musk’s grand plan to create an all-encompassing ‘everything app’ in the near future. However, amidst all the buzz and excitement surrounding this rebranding, a darker aspect has come to light. Reports suggest that Musk’s acquisition of the @X handle was done without compensating the previous owner, who had held it for an impressive 16 years. Let’s delve deeper into the details and implications of this incident.
The @X Handle: Past Ownership and Acquisition
The @X handle, now prominently associated with Elon Musk, was originally owned by an entity known as Orange Photography. More specifically, it was registered to an individual named Gene X Hwang, who also happens to be the co-founder of Orange Photography. Hwang had held onto the prized single-letter handle for over a decade and a half before the unexpected turn of events.
The Absence of Compensation
According to credible reports, Elon Musk and his team did not engage in any dialogue or payment negotiations with Gene X Hwang prior to taking over the @X handle. The lack of communication between the two parties raises questions about the ethical implications of such an acquisition. While Elon Musk is undoubtedly a tech genius, the act of obtaining a valuable digital asset without compensating its rightful owner has raised eyebrows in the tech community.
Hwang’s Response and Twitter Rebranding
Gene X Hwang, upon losing the @X handle, took to his new account, @x12345678998765, and posted a tweet that seemed to convey acceptance of the situation with the phrase “All’s well that ends well.” The tweet garnered significant attention, with over 113K likes and 14.5K retweets, reflecting the public’s interest in this controversy.
Meanwhile, the rebranding of Twitter with the new X logo was announced on a Sunday night, followed by the swift removal of old signage and the installation of the X logo at Twitter’s headquarters on Monday.
Musk’s History with Twitter Accounts
This incident is not the first time Elon Musk has taken over Twitter accounts after acquiring a platform. His actions have raised debates regarding digital property rights and the responsibilities that come with immense power and influence in the tech industry.
The Future of @X and Musk’s ‘Everything App’
With the @X handle now under Elon Musk’s control, the question arises: what does the future hold for this coveted digital identity? As Musk envisions creating an all-encompassing ‘everything app,’ the potential applications and implications of this platform are vast and intriguing.
Source: LIVE MINT