Jim Baker, Twitter Inc.’s deputy general counsel, was pushed out of the company over his handling of information, Elon Musk said in a tweet.
“In light of concerns about Baker’s possible role in suppression of information important to the public dialogue, he was exited from Twitter today,” Musk said.
As the Canadian national soccer teams head to their respective FIFA World Cups, Derek Van Diest is on the scene to cover all the action. Expect expert insights and analysis in your inbox daily throughout the tournaments, and weekly on Thursdays for the rest of the season.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Corner Kicks with Derek Van Diest will soon be in your inbox.
Musk’s comment appeared to be in reference to Baker’s involvement with the so-called Twitter Files. The documents, which included communications surrounding the decision to block access to a New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s laptop, were publicized by journalist Matt Taibbi last week.
In light of concerns about Baker’s possible role in suppression of information important to the public dialogue, he was exited from Twitter today
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 6, 2022
In a tweet Tuesday, Taibbi suggested that Baker’s firing stemmed from “vetting the first batch of ‘Twitter Files’ — without knowledge of new management,” apparently a reference to Musk.
We can now tell you part of the reason why. On Tuesday, Twitter Deputy General Counsel (and former FBI General Counsel) Jim Baker was fired. Among the reasons? Vetting the first batch of “Twitter Files” – without knowledge of new management.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
Baker, who was formerly the general counsel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
After acquiring Twitter for $44 billion in October, Musk has sought to show that the social network is taking a less restrictive approach to speech. That’s included criticizing the company’s policies under previous management.
-
Elon Musk declares he’s not ‘suicidal’ during online question and answer session
-
Musk drops internal Twitter files on Hunter Biden laptop saga
The Hunter Biden incident unfolded in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. Twitter initially claimed it blocked access to the New York Post story under its “hacked materials” policy. In one of the internal communications published by Tiabbi, which is undated, Baker urged caution regarding the story. “I support the conclusion that we need more facts to assess whether the materials were hacked,” Baker wrote.
Baker’s firing comes at a time when Twitter is coming under increased scrutiny from regulators around the world. Last Musk, Musk lawyer Alex Spiro attempted to calm staff by telling them they would not go to jail if the company is found in violation of a Federal Trade Commission consent decree.