X is associated with a company linked to the group that blacklisted conservatives

In a turn of events that drew sharp criticism from free speech advocates and conservative watchdogs, social media company X, formerly known as Twitter under the leadership of Elon Musk, is now finds itself entangled in a binding alliance with Integral Ad Science. (IAS). The latter, an ad-verification conglomerate known for its alleged “disinformation” tracking, has discernible ties to the Global misinformation index (GDI), a UK-based entity known for clandestinely providing advertisers with blacklists of right-leaning websites with the intention of undermining them financially.

In this movement, discovered by Tthe Washington Examiner, X appears in stark contrast to Musk’s outspoken advocacy of free speech rights. It’s worth recalling that Musk has previously disclosed documents, dubbed the “Twitter Files,” from former Twitter boss Jack Dorsey’s regime that appeared to expose the social media giant’s ploys in alignment with government agencies aimed at silence conservative online platforms.

The decision to strengthen ties with IAS stems from X’s pressing need to reassure brand safety in the wake of the fall in advertising revenue reported in July, as revealed by Musk.

However, the association has raised eyebrows about the viability of Musk’s commitment to free speech.

Colorado Republican Rep. Ken Buck, an outspoken critic of GDI, decried the new affiliation, saying it would only serve to undermine free speech. Buck, a proven campaigner against GDI’s alleged censorship ploys, warned that the partnership would only increase the threat to free speech.

Although Twitter has been using for years, X will now have privileged access to a new AI-powered ad placement technology, courtesy of its pact with IAS, the examiner noted.

However, GDI’s shady past and potential tilt toward censorship has caused considerable alarm among conservative circles and First Amendment advocates. The organization landed under congressional scrutiny because of its strategy of supposedly curbing “fake information.”

The implication of X’s new association with IAS remains to be determined. It also leaves us to speculate what else is hidden within the intricate networks of digital advertising and content moderation.