Musk claims that the US government had complete access to Twitter data and private messages.

Twitter CEO Elon Musk has claimed that the US government has “full access” to the social media platform’s user data, including private direct messages (DMs).

Musk made the allegations in an interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson that will air later on Monday.

The South African-born billionaire, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, told Carlson he was shocked when he learned of the government’s ability to read users’ direct messages on his platform.

“I’m blown away by how effectively government agencies have access to everything that goes on on Twitter,” Musk said. “I wasn’t aware of that.”

When Carlson asked if this included direct messages to people, Musk replied, “Yes.”

His comments caused an uproar on social media, with some users expressing shock and anger, while others seemed unsurprised given the US government’s record of surveillance and spying on its own citizens at home, as well as on allies and enemies abroad.

Musk bought Twitter last October for $44 billion after months of on and off negotiations. Since becoming CEO, he has made sweeping changes to the platform, from firing half of its staff, charging fees for verified accounts and bringing former US President Donald Trump back on the platform.