Why is Twitter called X now

August 16, 2023

In a shocking turn of events, Twitter, the beloved bluebird platform, has undergone a complete transformation, now going by the enigmatic name "X". The announcement came on July 22, 2023, leaving users and the public in a whirlwind of curiosity and speculation.

The mastermind behind this radical change is none other than Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and visionary known for his bold and unconventional moves. Musk explained that the name change aims to signify Twitter's evolution into an all-encompassing platform, becoming "the everything app".

According to Twitter's CEO, Linda Yaccarino, the new X is poised to revolutionise the digital landscape with unlimited interactivity, encompassing audio, video, messaging, and even payments and banking services. It promises to create a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities, but sceptics wonder if the platform can deliver on such grand promises.

The roots of the X rebranding can be traced back to Elon Musk's early ventures. In 1999, he founded the original X.com, which eventually merged with Confinity and later rebranded as PayPal. Fast forward to 2017, Musk acquired X.com from PayPal, citing "great sentimental value" as the motivation behind the purchase. Now, the domain serves as the catalyst for Twitter's transformation.

Despite the name change, many elements of Twitter's beloved features remain intact. However, both the iOS and Android apps have adopted the new name "X", with "tweets" replaced by "posts" to match the rebranding. While the alterations may seem relatively minor, they have sparked a wave of controversies.

The most prominent issue revolves around a colossal X logo displayed atop the company's headquarters in San Francisco. Local authorities claim that the sign violates city permits, leading to tension with Twitter's management. Inspectors have attempted to assess the situation, only to be denied access, and nearby residents have complained about the excessive brightness of the illuminated symbol.

Another point of contention is the new X logo itself. Some experts suggest that it bears a striking resemblance to Monotype's Special Alphabets 4 font, raising concerns over possible copyright infringement. Monotype, however, denies any direct involvement, leaving the origin of the design in question.

However, the X rebrand has not been without its legal hurdles. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben warns that Twitter could face potential lawsuits over the name change, as there are nearly 900 active trademark registrations in the U.S. for the letter X across various industries. Microsoft and Meta are among those with existing trademarks for the letter X, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Trademark experts argue that Twitter's protection is likely confined to very similar graphics to their new X logo, meaning slight deviations may not infringe on copyright. Nevertheless, the legal battles that may ensue remain a significant concern for Twitter's future.

As the world watches Twitter's bold transformation into X, the outcome remains uncertain. Will Elon Musk's audacious move pave the way for a digital revolution, or will it spark a series of legal battles that could challenge the platform's very existence? Only time will tell the fate of X, the new face of the once-beloved Twitter.