Elon Musk has announced a transparency push at X by revealing plans to make its new algorithm open source within a week. The algorithm determines what content users see in their feed, including organic and advertising posts. This move comes amid scrutiny over the platform's handling of user requests, particularly those related to explicit or minor content.
Musk made the promise during a recent Twitter post, stating that the code behind the new algorithm will be released on January 17th, with updates expected every four weeks. The release will include comprehensive notes from developers to help users understand the changes.
This latest development marks a significant shift in Musk's approach to transparency, following his acquisition of Twitter in 2022. He had previously promised to make X's code open source by March 31st but delivered only a partial code release at that time. Since then, he has faced criticism over allegations that the platform favors right-wing opinions and boosts the visibility of his own posts.
The move may also be seen as an attempt to address concerns about the algorithm's manipulation, with investigators in France opening an investigation into potential fraudulent manipulation of the X algorithm last year. The promised transparency could bring users closer to their ideal concept of an open-source platform, where all code changes are explained and understood by the public.
It is worth noting that this latest update comes amid significant public scrutiny over X's handling of user requests, including those related to non-consenting individuals, particularly minors. However, the exact impact of the algorithm on these issues remains unclear.
Musk made the promise during a recent Twitter post, stating that the code behind the new algorithm will be released on January 17th, with updates expected every four weeks. The release will include comprehensive notes from developers to help users understand the changes.
This latest development marks a significant shift in Musk's approach to transparency, following his acquisition of Twitter in 2022. He had previously promised to make X's code open source by March 31st but delivered only a partial code release at that time. Since then, he has faced criticism over allegations that the platform favors right-wing opinions and boosts the visibility of his own posts.
The move may also be seen as an attempt to address concerns about the algorithm's manipulation, with investigators in France opening an investigation into potential fraudulent manipulation of the X algorithm last year. The promised transparency could bring users closer to their ideal concept of an open-source platform, where all code changes are explained and understood by the public.
It is worth noting that this latest update comes amid significant public scrutiny over X's handling of user requests, including those related to non-consenting individuals, particularly minors. However, the exact impact of the algorithm on these issues remains unclear.
I'm glad Musk is finally taking a step in the right direction by making X's algorithm open source 
. It's about time we know how our feeds are curated and what kind of content is getting preferential treatment 
. I'm curious to see if this move will actually lead to more transparency around user requests, especially those involving minors 
. As a parent, it's scary when I think my child might be exposed to something they shouldn't be seeing online 
. Musk better deliver on his promise and provide clear notes from the devs so we can understand what changes are being made 
. Fingers crossed this is the start of a more accountable platform for all users 
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i mean who can really trust that the code changes will be transparent and unbiased? 
how are we supposed to know if the algorithm is still favoring right-wing opinions and boosting musk's own posts?
but i think its also worth noting that the impact on issues like non-consenting individuals and minors could be huge 
i hope musk's team has thought this one through before releasing the algorithm 
. The fact that investigators are even looking into potential manipulation of the algorithm is huge. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out and if it actually leads to some real changes on the platform.
. I was really disappointed when Elon Musk said he'd make the code open source by March, but it looks like he's actually following through now 
. Musk has a history of backing out of promises, but if he sticks to this one, it could be a game-changer for X 
. The more we know about how the algorithm works, the better equipped we'll be to report any abuse or manipulation 
. It's time for X to prove itself as an open-source platform that users can trust 
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or what if the devs who maintain the code are still in the dark about how it works, just like everyone else? 
this feels like a PR stunt to me...
Wouldn't that be lit though? On a more serious note, though, it's kinda cool that they're being transparent about their changes. Maybe we'll finally get some answers about why our feeds are always showing us stuff we already saw last week... does anyone else ever feel like that?
it's been a mess with all the controversies surrounding user requests and explicit content... hopefully this move will help build trust back with users 
. I mean, who doesn't want to see behind the curtain of these social media platforms? We need more openness, especially when it comes to content moderation and user data handling.
. It's time for accountability and responsibility when it comes to our online experiences 
And I'm still skeptical about how much of an impact this will really have on the platform's handling of user requests. Remember when they promised to be more transparent back in 2022 and then only shared like half the code? 
The fact that he's promising updates every 4 weeks is a big deal too, so users can keep track of changes and hold him accountable. I'm curious to see how this will affect X's handling of explicit or minor content requests though... fingers crossed it's a game-changer for those who've been struggling to get their voices heard! 
I'm loving this move from Elon Musk! Open-sourcing the algorithm is a huge step towards transparency and accountability. It's about time X takes responsibility for its actions and shows users what's going on behind the scenes 
!
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. Now that he's releasing the code, it'll be way easier for us to understand how it works and maybe even help identify any biases 
. This is a huge step towards creating a more open and honest platform 
and "thousand hands" 
the guy's trying to do something about it. and yeah, its not gonna be perfect, but what is? 
. maybe this is the start of x becoming the platform we want it to be... or maybe im just hinging on the hope that elon will magically make all our problems disappear 