Twitter blocked a number of accounts belonging to well-known journalists on Thursday afternoon (15/12/2022) US time. This further adds to the controversial decision of the blue bird icon social media after it was owned by Elon Musk.
Journalists whose accounts have been suspended by Twitter include New York Times reporter Ryan Mac, The Washington Post's Drew Harwell, Mashable's Matt Binder, CNN reporter Donie O'Sullivan and independent journalist Aaron Rupar. They have in common that they often criticize Elon Musk, both regarding management decisions and other policies, after taking over Twitter last October.
This is not the first time Twitter has silenced accounts critical of Elon Musk. Previously, freelance journalist Tony Webster reported that his account was deleted without warning.
"My Twitter account has been suspended," he wrote with a screenshot of his suspended account. "I accept no explanation."
Musk previously banned software developer Jack Sweeney, who created multiple Twitter accounts that tracked flights of private jets and celebrity planes through accounts under his supervision.
In this regard, Musk announced that any instances of sending real-time location data would be treated as a form of doxxing, and result in account suspension. Musk is trying to link Sweeney's flight tracking data project to an incident in which someone followed the car carrying his son.
No evidence has come to light that the individual was motivated by or collected information from Sweeney's account, but Musk has threatened legal action against him.
Musk also suspended the Twitter account of a competitor, Mastodon. This move stands in stark contrast to Musk's stance that often promotes "free speech" and "Transparency is the key to trust," but doesn't even implement it alone, Rollingstone said.