Twitter has decided to cease its payments for the utilization of Google Cloud services, raising concerns about the future of the services it currently relies on

Twitter has decided to cease its payments for the utilization of Google Cloud services,  raising concerns about the future of the services it currently relies on

According to a report by Platformer, Twitter has ceased paying its Google Cloud invoices, following owner Elon Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting measures. The report indicates that in 2018, Twitter had entered into a multi-year agreement with Google to utilize their servers for hosting services aimed at combating spam and removing content involving child sexual abuse. 

Notably, Google Cloud hosts Twitter’s systems responsible for identifying violent extremism and media with explicit violence.

Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, a company he claimed was heading towards bankruptcy, prompted significant financial restrictions. 

One of his most drastic actions was a workforce reduction of approximately 50% shortly after assuming control. Subsequently, further layoffs have occurred incrementally.

In addition to staff reductions, the tech mogul curtailed complimentary meals for employees, initiated the sale of Twitter merchandise, and implemented charges for certain services like the blue-check verification program.

Musk’s financial constraints have also led to unpaid bills, resulting in legal disputes with various companies claiming outstanding payments. 

These allegations encompass unpaid invoices to marketing firms for branded merchandise, as well as rental fees for Twitter’s offices.

Earlier reports from The Information stated that Twitter had been in negotiations to renegotiate its Google contract for several months. 

The agreement stipulated that the social media giant would spend $1 billion over a five-year period. However, Platformer now reveals that Twitter ceased payment of its Google Cloud bills and is planning to discontinue its use of the platform entirely.

As the contract is set to expire on June 30, Twitter is reportedly scrambling to migrate its services away from Google Cloud. However, sources cited by Platformer suggest that this process is taking longer than anticipated, and the fate of some services remains uncertain.

 For instance, there is ambiguity surrounding whether Twitter will attempt to migrate Smyte, a company acquired in 2018 that offers tools to combat harassment, abuse, and spam, to its own servers. Platformer reports that Smyte, currently hosted on Google Cloud Platform, is scheduled to shut down at the end of the month.