In an era where wealth has become increasingly concentrated, billionaires wield unprecedented influence over digital spaces, media narratives, and policy decisions that directly impact women’s safety and fundamental rights. These ultra-wealthy individuals—predominantly men—often reshape platforms and institutions with little accountability, implementing changes that erode hard-won protections for women. From gutting content moderation teams that combat online harassment to platforming voices that undermine reproductive autonomy, their business decisions frequently prioritize profit and ideological agendas over women’s wellbeing.
The digital town squares where women organize, share critical health information, and build solidarity increasingly operate at the whim of billionaire owners whose actions speak louder than their purported values. When platforms essential to modern discourse fall under singular control, the consequences for women’s rights advocacy can be swift and severe—creating digital environments where misogyny flourishes unchecked and where women’s voices face systematic suppression. These are not merely business decisions; they represent the exercising of raw power over spaces fundamental to democracy itself.
The Transformation of a Digital Public Square: Twitter
In October 2022, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals completed his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, a platform that had evolved into a crucial space for public discourse, political organizing, and information sharing. This purchase represented one of the largest privatizations of a digital public square in history, transferring control of a platform used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide to a single individual.
The acquisition followed a tumultuous negotiation process that began in April 2022 with an unsolicited offer, progressed through attempted withdrawal and legal battles, and culminated in the October takeover. Upon finalizing the purchase, the new owner immediately dissolved the company’s board of directors and appointed himself as chief executive officer, consolidating decision-making authority.
What followed was a dramatic restructuring that included laying off approximately half of Twitter’s 7,500 employees within days of the acquisition. These cuts disproportionately affected content moderation teams, human rights staff, and accessibility specialists. By December 2022, an estimated 75% of Twitter’s pre-acquisition workforce had either been terminated or resigned.
The platform was subsequently rebranded as “X” in July 2023, marking the end of Twitter’s 17-year history as a brand. This change symbolized the owner’s stated vision to transform the platform into what he described as an “everything app” inspired by China’s WeChat.
For women’s rights advocates, this transition raised immediate concerns. The platform had served as a vital organizing tool during movements like #MeToo, provided channels for sharing reproductive health information, and offered connection points for vulnerable communities. The swift dissolution of trust and safety teams, combined with public statements about “free speech absolutism,” created uncertainty about how content policies would be enforced in cases of harassment, threats, and misinformation specifically targeting women.
These changes represented a case study in how quickly digital infrastructure critical to social movements and marginalized communities can be transformed when concentrated in private hands with minimal oversight or accountability mechanisms.
Moderation team reductions: Reports indicate significant reductions in content moderation staff, which multiple studies have shown can disproportionately affect women who face higher rates of harassment and threats online.
Policy changes around hateful conduct: Modifications to hateful conduct policies have been documented by researchers who noted increases in misogynistic content following these changes.
Verification system overhaul: The change from identity verification to a subscription model made it easier for accounts to mimic women’s rights organizations and advocates.
Algorithm changes: Documented alterations in how content is amplified have affected the visibility of women’s health information and reproductive rights discussions.
Restoration of previously banned accounts: Many accounts that were suspended for harassment or hateful conduct toward women were reinstated.
