Musk’s Cost-Cuts Hit Home for US Taxpayers as Skype Shutdown Looms

Elon Musk is taking his cost-cutting measures to a new level. By deleting free tax-filing software, IRS Direct File, and outsourcing some federal tech projects, he’s putting American taxpayers on the hook. But that’s not all – the former Twitter CEO also faces a “monumental” bill for firing thousands of government workers without following labor laws.

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced it will shut down Skype, citing its own decline in popularity. The iconic video-calling platform evoked strong emotions in users, with many sharing memories of their first video calls and favorite Skype moments. As the US immigration system becomes increasingly complex, a new documentary explores how surveillance agencies are profiting from tracking immigrants.

The latest tech news follows Musk’s growing list of controversies, including his handling of Twitter layoffs and his criticism of Apple for not providing enough information to UK authorities about user data.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/03/techscape-elon-musk-skype