Posted on 01/09/2021 9:12:13 AM PST by E. Pluribus Unum
The American Civil Liberties Union on Friday is raising concerns about social media platforms banning users, in the aftermath of Twitter’s decision to permanently suspend President Trump.
While the ACLU has repeatedly locked horns with Mr. Trump and his administration over issues such as the president’s travel ban, the ACLU is worried about the ramifications of tech companies diminishing online speech.
“We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now, but it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions — especially when political realities make those decisions easier,” said Kate Ruane, ACLU senior legislative counsel, in a statement. “President Trump can turn to his press team or Fox News to communicate with the public, but others — like the many Black, Brown, and LGBTQ activists who have been censored by social media companies — will not have that luxury.”
Ms. Ruane said it is her hope that the tech companies will apply their rules equally to everyone.
Twitter said on Friday evening it decided to permanently bar Mr. Trump out of concern that his presence on the platform posed a risk of future violence.
“After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them — specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter — we have permanently suspended the account due to risk of further incitement of violence,” said Twitter in a statement on its blog announcing its decision.
Twitter specifically cited “plans for future armed protests” circulating on Twitter and offline, and “a proposed secondary attack on the U.S. Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021” as contributing to its decision-making.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Oh Noes! It’s the A-A-A-See-El-U timidly pointing out the obvious!
Gosh, what? Is there a Blue Moon out tonight?
UH-OH! Will Twitter now ban the ACLU for “supporting” Trump?
Nothing more than a fig leaf political cover statement. “See, we did something.”
Sounds like the aclu will be getting a phone call or a visit pretty soon.
Exactly they used their 1 fig leaf for the year early now back to business as usual!
Too little, too late ACucks
This true was released to get the heat off them for double standards.
Regars
F I N A L L Y !
They are going to send them a sternly worded letter!
Well, even a broken clock is twice right a guy. ACLU are assholes but every now and then, they are on our side on an issue.
Back in the 80s/90s the ACLU took some positions that were actually good. Like maybe 5% but still, something. Since 2000 they have purged even that token 5%. This isn’t a sign that the ACLU is in any way really going to support free speech.
ACLU
Leftist from jump street....and yes I’ll leave it at that ....don’t want to hurt feelings here
Twitter must be asking ACLU to do this because so many people have left their site. First thing you know Twitter will lose money.
ACLU: We find this a bit “concerning.” Oh, well, ban those guns.
Good comment so far ACLU.
“President Trump...
Careful. Don't wreck your comments, don't wreck it...
....can turn to his press team or Fox News to communicate with the public, but others — like the many Black, Brown, and LGBTQ activists who have been censored by social media companies — will not have that luxury.”
Argh!!
Talk about your misplaced priorities, what in hell is the ACLU doing wasting time on 1st amendment issues when there’s a gay couple who could put ACLU’s strong-arm legal thugs to good use forcing a Christian bakery to make them a queer themed wedding cake?
Let’s stay focused people, and keep our eyes on what really matters.
“We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now”
WHAT??
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