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Indonesia blocks Elon Musk's 'X' website due to past gambling & adult content, could others follow

Twitter's bold rebranding endeavour as 'X' faces a string of obstacles, encompassing domain restrictions, trademark conflicts, and challenges with signage implementation.

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Indonesia blocks Elon Musk's 'X' emerging tech
Indonesia blocks Elon Musk's 'X'
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New Delhi, UPDATED: Jul 28, 2023 13:40 IST

Highlights

  • As the transformation unfolded, Meta, Microsoft, and other firms had already trademarked the name ‘X,’ posing additional challenges
  • Registering and protecting its trademarks became a significant hurdle for X during the rebranding process

In a bold move to redefine its identity, Twitter embarked on an ambitious journey to rebrand itself as X. However, this transformation hasn't been without its share of challenges.

From domain blockades in Indonesia to trademark disputes and sign permit issues, the transition has encountered unexpected snags, putting the company's rebranding strategy to the test.

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Indonesia's temporary block on X

As Twitter sought to emerge as X, its path faced a stumbling block in Indonesia, where the government temporarily blocked X.com due to strict laws against gambling and pornography. The issue was attributed to the previous owners of the domain, who had violated the country's content regulations.

Despite the setback, Usman Kansong, the Information Director General, assured the public that X had proactively addressed the problem, and Twitter's acquisition of X.com was expected to proceed smoothly.

Access to the platform is currently unavailable to Indonesian users, where approximately 24 million individuals utilise the microblogging media site.

Trademark challenges and legal disputes

As the transformation progressed, Meta, Microsoft, and several other companies had already secured trademarks for the name ‘X,’ potentially leading to legal conflicts. The rebranding also posed obstacles for X in registering and safeguarding its trademarks, necessitating strategic measures to ensure brand protection amidst a competitive landscape.

Notably, even in its effort to change its signage, X encountered complications. Permit issues surfaced during the removal of the iconic Twitter sign in San Francisco, leaving the ‘er’ and the old bird logo intact, somewhat symbolic of the lingering challenges faced during the rebranding process.

In Short, Twitter's ambitious rebranding initiative to become X has encountered a series of hurdles, spanning from domain blockades to trademark disputes and signage setbacks. However, despite these challenges, the company remains resilient in its pursuit of reshaping its identity.

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As the situation unfolds, X is expected to address each obstacle with determination, forging ahead with its transformation in the ever-evolving world of social media and technology.

Published on: Jul 28, 2023 13:40 ISTPosted by: cyrus john, Jul 28, 2023 13:40 IST

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