The increasing restrictions on accessing content on X (formerly Twitter) have raised concerns about its reliability for emergency communications. In July 2023, Missouri residents encountered this issue when an Amber Alert was pushed through X, but the link was inaccessible without logging into the platform. This sparked public outcry and highlighted a significant shift in how such alerts were disseminated. While the Missouri Highway Patrol initially faced this problem, it was resolved when X verified their account as an official government entity, restoring public access to their posts. This incident underscores the growing reliance on platform verification for seamless information dissemination during emergencies.
A similar incident unfolded in California, where an Amber Alert issued via X faced the same accessibility issues. While some California Highway Patrol (CHP) accounts were verified, ensuring public access to their posts, others, like the Southern Division account covering Los Angeles county, remained unverified. This inconsistency in verification across different CHP accounts creates confusion and potentially hinders the effectiveness of emergency alerts. The incident illustrates the vulnerability of emergency communication systems that rely on third-party platforms with evolving verification policies.
Before Elon Musk’s acquisition, Twitter played a crucial role in global emergency communications. Government agencies worldwide utilized the platform to disseminate critical information during natural disasters, mass shootings, and other crises. Crucially, public tweets were accessible to anyone with a web browser, irrespective of having a Twitter account. This open access, with over 500 million monthly visitors without logins reported in 2015, solidified Twitter’s position as a vital communication tool during emergencies.
However, the platform’s accessibility began to change in June 2023 when X started requiring logins to view content. Musk attributed this shift to a “temporary emergency measure” to combat data scraping by AI companies. However, this “temporary” measure has become permanent, effectively limiting access to information on the platform. While government entity accounts seem exempt from these restrictions, the move has raised significant concerns about X’s role in emergency communications, especially given its prior status as an open and accessible platform.
The shift in X’s accessibility also impacts the functionality of its API. Previously, free API access allowed organizations like the US National Tsunami Warning Center to automate critical alerts. Researchers and first responders also leveraged the API to monitor real-time information and counter misinformation. This access was revoked under Musk’s leadership, further diminishing X’s usefulness for emergency management. While X remains a prominent platform, these changes significantly impact its efficacy compared to its previous role as an open and freely accessible communication channel.
Despite the drawbacks, many government agencies continue to rely on X for emergency communications due to their established large followings. The priority remains reaching the widest possible audience with accurate information. However, the California incident underscores the potential pitfalls of relying on third-party platforms whose policies can change unpredictably. This dependence creates vulnerabilities in emergency communication systems and necessitates a reevaluation of strategies to ensure consistent and reliable information dissemination during crises. The incidents in Missouri and California highlight the need for government agencies to explore alternative communication channels and reduce their reliance on platforms susceptible to sudden policy shifts.
