Welcome to What’s up Twitter, this blog is created to share positive and encouraging aspects of Elon Musk’s new Twitter.

One of the first things Elon Musk put into place right away after acquiring Twitter was a way to protect our most vulnerable people: children.

One of the biggest changes to Twitter since its inception is the reduction and possible elimination of child sexual exploitation/child sexual abuse (CSE/CSAM) videos on Twitter. We will hear from Eliza Bleu, Human Trafficking Survivor Advocate, and Johnna Crider, writer, who has been following this story in detail.

Gail: Eliza, thank you for your effective advocacy to stop human trafficking.  I just heard that there was a large amount of CSE/CSAM Twitter, accessed by certain Hashtags. Elon and his new Twitter team were able to remove a good amount this rapidly, so I wanted to ask you to give me a little background on what you know about that.  How is it that CSE/CSAM videos on Twitter have been allowed to continue for so long? And how was Elon Musk able to remove it so quickly? 

Eliza: Twitter has a history of putting profits over survivors. They did a cost-benefit analysis and the world’s most vulnerable have been ignored. It looks like Elon Musk simply prioritized this issue of detecting and removing child sexual abuse/exploitation material.

“Twitter has a history of putting profits over survivors.
They did a cost-benefit analysis and the world’s most vulnerable have been ignored.
It looks like Elon Musk simply prioritized this issue of detecting and removing
child sexual abuse/exploitation material.” -Eliza Bleu

Gail:  Do you know why Twitter was so silent on removing the material when it seems it was something that Elon Musk and his team were able to do so quickly? 

Eliza: I have no idea why they were silent. It was embarrassing and probably criminal for them amongst other things. Once again I think that the issue simply became a top priority under Elon Musk’s leadership. 

Gail: Could you describe your feelings when Elon Musk shared on Twitter that removing this material was his #1 Priority?

Eliza: I was on the phone with my best friend at the time. I work long hours on the weekends so it was after a long shift. My best friend has been there with me every step along this battle with Twitter. I was looking at Twitter when it happened. I couldn’t get the words out. I cried tears of gratitude for 15 mins. We cried together. It was like seeing a miracle happen right before my eyes. It still seems surreal.

Gail:  I agree, it is surreal.  It’s a huge act of awareness, and kindness and shows how much Elon Musk loves humanity! Thank you for your time, Eliza, and for playing an amazing role in this, it’s giving new life to people and new hope.  

Eliza: Thank you so very much for having me.

Gail: Johnna, thank you for being here! How long have you been following this story? 

Johnna: Since Eliza Bleu shared it with me in 2020/2021. In December 2020, Eliza and I met in person at the Tesla Atlanta Event, where we were raising funds for Our Underground Railroad, a nonprofit that rescues people who are being trafficked. The Tesla community raised over $10,000 for that event to fight human trafficking. I saw Eliza give that very powerful speech, and was humbled yet inspired by her.

Gail: Yes, Eliza does give powerful speeches!  Were you surprised when Elon Musk announced that he was going to make removing CSE/CSAM from Twitter Priority #1? 

“Elon told me one time to believe in the good
and I do believe he is an advocate and a force for good.”
– Johnna Crider

Johnna:  No, not at all. Elon is someone who cares about humanity and he is also a father. A good father would want to protect his children. So, no, I am not at all surprised that he is making this a priority. It’s refreshing to see the new direction Twitter has taken with Elon in charge. 

Elon told me one time to believe in the good and I do believe he is an advocate and a force for good. When I saw his tweet saying he was going to make it priority number one I immediately thought about Eliza in the work that she has been doing. 

Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Twitter – November 21, 2022. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author is to support the new Twitter and Elon Musk in both making lives better on earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization. Updated March 7, 2023.