Alex Macgillivray, Twitter's top lawyer who has helped the company make a name for itself as a platform for free speech after pushing back against government and law enforcement demands has announced he is stepping down from the company.
The announcement was made in a blog post on Friday as well as, of course, a tweet from Macgillivray's personal account.
"Passing the torch. I care deeply about Twitter and our users, will continue to help while exploring other passions" he wrote.
Vijaya Gadde, who has handled Twitter's corporate and international legal work will be taking over as general counsel, according to the L.A. Times.
"I continue to care deeply about Twitter, the folks who work at Twitter and our tremendous users, so I'll remain close to all thre," Macgillivray continued on his blog.
It's unclear if Twtiter will remain the poster-child for freedom of speech on the Internet once Macgillivray departs from the company. Twitter continues to expand internationally as it gears up for its highly anticipated initial public stock offering. As the company grows, its commitment to freedom of speech is becoming more and more difficult to maintain.
"I am proud to have worked with colleagues who defend and respect the user's voice; who push freedom of expression and transparency; and who innovate and lead. Together we've brought some incredible products and talent into Twitter," Macgillivray said. "We've supported teams creating new businesses and pushing to reach every person on the planet. Twitter continues to employ some of the funniest, most generous, smart, passionate and humble people I've ever met. I was lucky to get to work with them, and you can too."
What now will the former legal counsel for the popular web service be doing?
"As for me, it has been my privilege to work and fight on behalf of great companies and their users over the last decade. A privilege and a lot of work. So, I'm looking forward to engaging my various internet passions from new and different perspectives, seeing friends and family without distraction, and just goofing off a bit. We should all do more of that."
