Peiter “Mudge” Zatko’s accusations about security concerns at Twitter are almost certain to have sparked a Federal Trade Commission investigation, according to experts — and that’s not necessarily good news for Elon Musk.
Former FTC officials told The Post they are confident the agency has opened an investigation into Twitter — but added that any potential fine would come after next month’s courtroom battle with Musk.
"I would say with 100% certainty that they have opened an investigation."
Zatko — a famed hacker who did a nearly two-year stint as Twitter’s head of security — has accused Twitter of tolerating disturbing security problems, including allegedly keeping a Chinese spy on its payroll.
The ex-FTC officials say the probe likely centers around whether the conduct alleged by Zatko means Twitter breached a so-called consent decree from 2011 that requires the company to “not misrepresent” the extent to which it protects user privacy.
The investigation could potentially lead to billions in fines and a new, more restrictive decree that personally names Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, sources said.