Twitter prank spurs unexpected scrutiny of insulin prices

The backlash against Eli Lilly showcased the real-life potential of online disinformation to trigger chaos and financial loss. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: A Twitter imposter cost a US pharmaceutical giant billions of dollars, but the viral prank triggered another unexpected crisis – a new wave of scrutiny of the high cost of its insulin.

Authentic-looking fake accounts proliferated last week after Twitter rolled out a paid verification service, the latest in a string of chaotic developments since Elon Musk’s blockbuster US$44bil (RM201.95bil) buyout of the influential platform.