Archive · 23 May 2025
FTC Probes Media Matters Over Alleged X Advertiser Boycott
The FTC is investigating Media Matters, a group that watches media, to see if they worked with others to get advertisers to stop buying ads on X (formerly Twitter) after Elon Musk bought it.
The FTC wants to see Media Matters' communications with other groups about misinformation and hate speech.
Media Matters thinks this is a political attack.
X (formerly Twitter) has sued both Media Matters and other groups over the boycotts.
The investigation is looking into whether groups like Media Matters helped advertisers coordinate to pull ad money from X. It's not certain that any action will be taken.
The FTC is investigating Media Matters regarding possible coordination of X advertiser boycotts.
The investigation follows Elon Musk's purchase of X and subsequent advertiser departures.
The FTC has demanded documents related to Media Matters' communications with other groups about misinformation and hate speech.
Media Matters claims the investigation is politically motivated.
X has ongoing lawsuits against Media Matters and the World Federation of Advertisers.
- Who
- The FTC, Media Matters, Elon Musk, and X are involved.
- What
- The FTC is probing Media Matters regarding possible coordination of X advertiser boycotts.
- When
- The investigation began after Elon Musk acquired X in 2022.
- Where
- The investigation is being conducted in the U.S.
- Why
- To determine if groups like Media Matters helped coordinate advertiser boycotts.
Media Matters
FTC
Motive of the Probe
Media Matters
Media Matters views the probe as a politically motivated attempt to silence critics.
FTC
The FTC is investigating potential unlawful collusion and advertiser boycotts.
- Agency Investigating
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Target of Probe
- Media Matters
- Allegation
- Coordination of X advertiser boycotts
- Involved Parties
- X, Media Matters, World Federation of Advertisers, Global Alliance for Responsible Media
- FTC Chairman
- Andrew Ferguson
- Musk's Actions
- Sued WFA and Media Matters
