New controversy at X: Musk, Bier and the platform’s algorithms
A debate has flared up on X about the platform’s recommendation algorithms and a potential conflict of interest involving one of its executives, Nikita Bier.
Concerns over creator‑payout distribution have simmered for months. Back in September, Nikita Bier (recently appointed Head of Product at X) argued that payouts do more harm than good and that the system should be redesigned.
The controversy escalated when Elon Musk replied in the same thread, suggesting the issue lies elsewhere – the platform pays creators too little and not always accurately.
Musk’s comment was read as a gesture of support toward creators. Meanwhile, the Polymarket prediction platform began taking bets on whether Bier would be dismissed.
One user pointed out that, besides his role as Head of Product at X, Nikita also serves as an adviser to Solana: creating a high risk of a conflict of interest. Against this backdrop, some in the community alleged X’s recommendation algorithm favours Solana‑related content while amplifying negative narratives about competing networks (notably Binance Smart Chain).
Several users claimed that after posting critical comments they experienced reduced post visibility and other measures they interpret as “shadow banning.” Participants linked this to a broader concern that open debate and healthy competition are no longer welcome on the platform.
One user even alleges that after posting a critical reply under Nikita Bier’s post, he was blocked for “bad‑faith behaviour.”
So far, Bier has not directly refuted these accusations. He limited himself to an ironic post noting that Polymarket prices his departure at no more than 8%.
Adding fuel to the fire, user StarPlatinum defended the platform’s algorithms, saying they had earned around $8,000 from impressions over just six months. The irony: StarPlatinum is also a Solana influencer.
For now, the scandal is gaining steam but remains largely a war of statements and interpretations.
Social platforms rarely disclose the inner workings of their recommendation systems, which routinely fuels calls for greater transparency from engaged users.
Clear guidance on ranking principles and on policies to prevent conflicts of interest could help lower the temperature, shift the debate back to verifiable facts and rebuild trust.
