Critics frustrated by Twitter’s latest policy change showed no quarter for “free speech absolutist” Elon Musk as they unloaded on the latest “frenetic” update.
(Video: CNN)
Since the billionaire’s acquisition of the social media platform, progressives have openly revolted against any move designed to disrupt the collapse of their echo chamber. Sunday, that included an updated Twitter policy that sought to ban profiles being used to promote competing platforms.
In a series of since deleted tweets, the Twitter Support account posted, “We recognize that many of our users are active on other social media platforms. However, we will no longer allow free promotion of certain social media platforms on Twitter.”
“Specifically, we will remove accounts created solely for the purpose of promoting other social platforms and content that contains links or usernames for the following platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr and Post,” the official statement continued, adding, “We still allow cross-posting content from any social media platform. Posting links of usernames to social media platforms not listed above are also not in violation of this policy.”
As the day unfolded, users reacted with disgust at the updated policy, including CNN’s Jim Acosta who took to the air Sunday afternoon to declare, “I should note my own account was locked overnight by Twitter.”
Bringing in Business Insider’s Linette Lopez, who was among those journalists suspended earlier in the week for allegedly violating the updated policy prohibiting doxxing, Acosta went on, “I woke up this morning and my account was locked. I’m still trying to sort it out.”
“This all feels very arbitrary and a little frenetic,” he complained suggesting he wasn’t sure what post had been in violation and that it may have been a retroactive move despite his current profile name reading, “Jim Acosta is also on Post and Mastodon.”
Lopez responded with her own claims on the policy as she continued to deny having violated the doxxing policy and argued, “What people really need to understand about what’s happening at Twitter now, is that it’s being run by Elon’s feelings, and not by any thought about the business model.”
“It’s almost as if his id is spilling out all over the internet and on Twitter,” she added.
Others voiced similar complaints as they took shots at the updated policy and Musk’s leadership either directly or passive-aggressively.
We recognize that many of our users are active at other music festivals. However, we will no longer allow our users to attend other music festivals such as Lollapalooza, Punk Rock Bowling, The Fest, Coachella, Pitchfork, Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Boston Calling, or ACL. https://t.co/dZ0oGPv2nQ
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) December 18, 2022
So is anyone at your company raising any red flags about the fact that Elon keeps arbitrarily banning people he doesn't like and then retroactively coming up with reasons to justify it? Do you feel good about doing that? Does that seem consistent with the company mission?
— listen to the Roland High Life (@thomdunn) December 18, 2022
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) December 18, 2022
Twitter just unveiled a new logo pic.twitter.com/iI5UUCO4aP
— kepano (@kepano) December 18, 2022
Ever aware of users’ opinions, Musk reacted as the policy was adjusted in real-time Sunday, posting, “Going forward, there will be a vote for major policy changes. My apologies. Won’t happen again.”
Going forward, there will be a vote for major policy changes. My apologies. Won’t happen again.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2022
The posts from Twitter Support were deleted and the links to fuller descriptions were deactivated. Earlier he had consulted with some users about what the policy should be and podcaster The Quartering explained, “I get accounts whose SOLE purpose to promote other accounts being forbidden but telling people they can’t link out to their instagram is way too far. The same goes for linktree. I use mine to link to my website, my coffee biz etc. Not to compete with twitter.”
To that, Musk replied, “Ok, that seems reasonable” and added “Policy will be adjusted to suspending accounts only when that account’s *primary* purpose is promotion of competitors, which essentially falls under the no spam rule.”
Ok, that seems reasonable
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2022
Policy will be adjusted to suspending accounts only when that account’s *primary* purpose is promotion of competitors, which essentially falls under the no spam rule
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2022
As for Acosta’s account, he has provided no update on whether he is still, if ever he was, locked out of posting on Twitter.
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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