X Expands Its Safety Team: A Strategic Reinforcement in Trust and Security

X Expands Its Safety Team

X is beefing up its safety staff as part of a broader initiative to enhance security measures. Following a commitment to reinvest in its trust and safety sector, the company is opening new positions across the United States. These positions encompass various roles, including government affairs managers, security engineers, and threat intelligence specialists, as reported by TechCrunch.

Strategic Moves Pre-Election

This hiring spree is particularly relevant as the company prepares for upcoming elections, a period that often sees increased scrutiny on social media platforms regarding content moderation and user safety. Earlier this year, X announced its intention to build out its content moderation team, initially targeting a staff size of 100 for its "Trust and Safety Center of Excellence" based in Austin, TX.

Context of Safety Investments

• X's recent hiring comes after years of cuts to its safety investments under Musk's leadership.
• A report revealed that 80% of the trust and safety engineers were let go shortly after Musk took over.
• The platform previously operated with only 55 engineers dedicated to global trust and safety, significantly impacting its moderation capabilities.

As X faces impending revenue challenges for 2025, the decision to bolster its safety team indicates a renewed focus on security. This shift highlights the tension between promoting free speech and maintaining robust content moderation.