The Twitter Files: An In-Depth Look at the Censorship, Manipulation, and Deplatforming on the Social Media Giant
Thread 1: “The Censorship and Manipulation of Information on Twitter” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1598825403182874625?t=ul2hSGlRLIashvOJucF6ug&s=19 In this thread, the author discusses the ways in which Twitter censors and manipulates the information that is shared on its platform. The thread includes examples of Twitter censoring and demonetizing accounts that share information that is inconvenient or goes against the company’s interests.
Thread 2: “The Existence of Secret Blacklists on Twitter” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1601020109807448064?t=SLbuWjzwwsV6ne8Tz2ydJg&s=19 This thread focuses on the existence of secret blacklists on Twitter, which are used to suppress certain accounts and prevent them from gaining visibility on the platform. The thread discusses the ways in which these blacklists are created and maintained, and how they are used to silence certain voices and perspectives.
Thread 3: “Deplatforming the President: The Removal of Donald Trump from Twitter” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1601395677845544960?t=4gWzSxFCyrhyOYPP9etysA&s=19 The third thread in The Twitter Files explores the decision by Twitter to deplatform President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. The thread discusses the internal debates and decision-making process that led to the removal of Trump’s account, and the implications of this action for free speech and democracy.
Thread 4: “The Removal of Donald Trump: The Decision to Deplatform a Sitting President” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1601812997088763904?t=NPQ-RaZZUPCfEyoL7TjqOg&s=19 This thread examines the decision by Twitter to deplatform President Donald Trump, exploring the internal debates and decision-making process that led to the removal of his account. The thread also looks at the pressure applied by activist employees and the arguments that were made in favor of a permanent ban. The broader impact of this decision on the social media landscape and the future of online communication is also discussed.
Thread 5: “The Implications of Deplatforming a Sitting President: The Broader Impact of the Trump Ban” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1602387025855885312?t=ug_doyrIpSkjYmNJSLa8Jg&s=19 This thread looks at the broader implications of the removal of President Trump from Twitter, including the precedent that it sets for the deplatforming of other leaders and the role of social media in shaping public discourse. The thread discusses the ways in which Twitter’s decision was motivated by political and financial considerations, and examines the potential consequences of this action for free speech and democracy.
Thread 6: “Twitter’s Close Relationship with the FBI: The Implications for Privacy and Civil Liberties” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1603859750168301569?t=ug_doyrIpSkjYmNJSLa8Jg&s=19 In this thread, the author explores the close relationship between Twitter and the FBI, including the ways in which the social media company has assisted the agency in its investigations and efforts to monitor online activity. The thread also discusses the implications of this relationship for privacy and civil liberties, and raises questions about the role of social media platforms in promoting or undermining these values.
Thread 7: “Twitter’s Role in Spreading Misinformation about the Hunter Biden Laptop Scandal” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1605219914813673473?t=WklMx6-vJSHTU-pyok_ApQ&s=19 This thread focuses on the role of Twitter in spreading misinformation about the Hunter Biden laptop scandal and the ways in which the company worked to discredit factual information about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. The thread also discusses the ways in which the U.S. government paid Twitter millions of dollars to censor information from the public, and examines the impact of these actions on public understanding and trust in the media.
Thread 8: “Twitter’s Quiet Assistance of the Pentagon’s Covert Online PsyOp Campaign” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1605298927104053248?t=WklMx6-vJSHTU-pyok_ApQ&s=19 This thread examines how Twitter has quietly aided the Pentagon’s covert online psychological operations (PsyOp) campaign, despite promising to shut down state-run propaganda networks. The thread discusses the ways in which Twitter has directly assisted the U.S. military’s influence operations and the implications of this for free speech and democracy. The thread also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in promoting or undermining these values.
Thread 9: “How Twitter Rigged the COVID-19 Debate: Censorship, Disinformation, and Suppression of Voices” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1607416532669431809?t=WYLMOwOvtCx_obW3XOPbsQ&s=19 This final thread in The Twitter Files looks at how Twitter influenced the public discourse around the COVID-19 pandemic by censoring information that was true but inconvenient to U.S. government policy, discrediting doctors and other experts who disagreed, and suppressing ordinary users, including some who were sharing the CDC’s own data. The thread discusses the impact of these actions on the public’s understanding of the pandemic and the role of social media in shaping public discourse.
The Twitter Files provide a detailed and provocative look at the inner workings of the social media giant and the ways in which it has influenced and been influenced by society. From censorship and manipulation of information, to secret blacklists and deplatforming of political leaders, to close relationships with government agencies and the spreading of misinformation, these threads offer a nuanced and critical perspective on the role of Twitter in shaping public discourse and promoting or undermining values such as free speech, privacy, and truth. The Twitter Files offer a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex and often controversial dynamics of social media in the modern world.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in The Twitter Files are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or individual. The information contained in The Twitter Files may be disturbing or disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised. The Twitter Files contain a range of perspectives and opinions on controversial topics. Please read with an open mind and be mindful of your own biases and beliefs.
