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Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey4 posts
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2 Jun, 2023

Senators ask Musk and Yaccarino about Twitter FTC violations

Opens investigation0 Comments

Four US senators send a letter to Musk and Yaccarino asking them whether the layoffs and resignations at Twitter have hindered its ability to comply with the company’s FTC obligations. The senators are examining Twitter’s privacy practices under Musk to determine whether consumer protection laws are being flouted. The letter – signed by Elizabeth Warren (D), Ron Wyden (D), Ed Markey (D), and Mazie Hirono (D) – cites Ella Irwin’s departure as the latest source of concern about Twitter’s compliance track record. It asks whether Twitter conducted a privacy and security assessment of Twitter Blue before rolling it out (according to its 2022 consent agreement, Twitter must perform such assessments “prior to implementing any new or modified product”) as well as whether the platform has maintained a comprehensive cybersecurity program to protect user data since Musk’s takeover. It also asks whether Twitter has met various reporting requirements, including obligations to report any significant data breaches to the authorities.

[P]ersonnel changes, firsthand accounts from employees, and hasty launch of new products raise questions about whether Twitter is able to comply with its obligations under the FTC consent decree.

Mr. Musk’s behavior reveals an apparent indifference towards Twitter’s longstanding legal obligations, which did not disappear when Mr. Musk took over the company.

Regardless of his personal wealth, Mr. Musk is not exempt from the law, and neither is the company he purchased. Twitter must meet the requirements it agreed to under the 2011 and 2022 FTC agreements.

The lawmakers want Twitter to respond by June 18.

23 Apr, 2015

Oppose cable Merger

AcquisitionMakes Statement0 Comments

U.S. Sens. Markey and Warren urge the Obama administration to block Comcast’s proposal for a$45.2 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable, saying the merger is bad for consumers.The lack of competition will only “make things worse” for consumers already frustrated by increasingly high cable and Internet bills. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler:

Today’s world demands affordable access to high-quality Internet and TV services. Should the transaction survive the FCC’s and DOJ’s reviews, we believe that Comcast-TWC’s unmatched power in the telecommunications industry would lead to higher prices, fewer choices, and poorer quality services for Americans.

31 Dec, 1983

Hired by Markey

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Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) hires Klain as legislative director on his graduation from Georgetown. Markey is serving in the House at the time.