Lawmakers investigate Twitter security chief’s whistleblower allegations

Top Democrats and Republicans in Congress are investigating a former Twitter security chief’s explosive new whistleblower complaint, instigating new political scrutiny of the social network’s data security practices and defenses against foreign influence.

Leaders of three influential congressional committees say they are reviewing disclosures, in which famed hacker Peiter Zatko alleges the company has “extreme, egregious deficiencies” in its cybersecurity defenses, as well as weak efforts to fight spam. The allegations are prompting a new round of Washington head winds for the company, adding to the controversies it has faced on Capitol Hill over its influential role in democracy and elections, especially since the company’s decision to permanently ban former president Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the company is embroiled in litigation with Elon Musk over its future.