CALIFORNIA (VINnews) — Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey issued an apology on Wednesday evening for what has turned into a PR disaster for his company, after taking heat from an already suspicious user base.
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It all started earlier on Wednesday, when Twitter started locking the accounts of users for sharing the link to an explosive NY Post article, titled “Smoking-gun email reveals how Hunter Biden introduced Ukrainian businessman to VP dad.”
The reason provided by Twitter for the accounts sanctions was “distribution of hacked material.”
Things started heating up when Twitter locked the account of White House Press Sec. Kayleigh McEnany for sharing the article.
NY Post business reporter Noah Manskar also reported that the outlet’s official account had been locked as well.
The Post's primary Twitter account (@nypost) has also been locked because the Hunter Biden stories violate its rules against "distribution of hacked material," per email we received from Twitter https://t.co/wbeYd6c3CA
— Noah Manskar (@noahmanskar) October 14, 2020
President Trump was quick to call out Facebook and Twitter for their attempts to stifle the NY Post report, and called for the repeal of section 230, which provides immunity to online platforms.
So terrible that Facebook and Twitter took down the story of “Smoking Gun” emails related to Sleepy Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in the @NYPost. It is only the beginning for them. There is nothing worse than a corrupt politician. REPEAL SECTION 230!!! https://t.co/g1RJFpIVUZ
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 14, 2020
On Wednesday evening, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey addressed the controversial actions taken by his company, admitting that they were “unacceptable.”
“Our communication around our actions on the @nypost article was not great,” he tweeted. “And blocking URL sharing via tweet or DM with zero context as to why we’re blocking: unacceptable.”
Our communication around our actions on the @nypost article was not great. And blocking URL sharing via tweet or DM with zero context as to why we’re blocking: unacceptable. https://t.co/v55vDVVlgt
— jack (@jack) October 14, 2020
In response to the incident, Rep. Ken Buck sent a letter to the DOJ, requesting they take a look at the censorship tactics used by both Twitter and Facebook.
“I write to express my concerns regarding Twitter and Facebook’s recent actions to censor a prominent American news outlet,” Buck wrote. “These actions violate the platform’s immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and threaten to chill free speech throughout our nation.”
He added, “As such, I urge the DOJ to open an investigation into Twitter and Facebook’s harmful actions to censor free speech and curtail Americans’ access to a free press. I also urge the DOJ to consider removing Section 230 immunity for social media platforms that engage in political content moderation.”
Sen. Ted Cruz also sent a letter to Jack Dorsey demanding answers.
My letter to @jack regarding @Twitter’s censorship of the @nypost. pic.twitter.com/o3Ebkbqait
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 14, 2020
so what will the apology bring???? Will arrogant Zuckerberg give in as well?? They know they cornered the market but apps like Parler are around to take some of twitter’s clout and dominance. I always detested social media as your privacy is so compromised. But for those with FOMO, think before you think these platforms offer free speech. It’s ironic, biden who lives in the 1970s world still has the tech world at his beckon call. SMH!
They don’t post hacked material and personal information. They dis nothing wrong.