Twitter is being made fun of on its own platform after the Big Tech giant called for an “open” internet.
“We are deeply concerned by the blocking of Twitter in Nigeria. Access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society,” Twitter said, referencing Nigeria’s ban of the platform. “We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world.”
Nigeria “indefinitely” suspended the use of Twitter “for the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence,” according to the country’s minister of information and culture. Twitter previously removed a tweet by Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari which Twitter said was for violating its “abusive behavior” policy.
The Biden administration applauded Twitter’s decision.
“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline.” a tweet from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria reads.
Meanwhile, some conservatives on Twitter pointed out the hypocrisy of wanting an “open” internet while banning former President Donald Trump.
“Twitter wants an open internet, but banned President Trump?” Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) tweeted.
“Access to the free & #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society...unless you’re Donald Trump. Or reporting on Hunter Biden’s laptop. Or discussing the biology of gender. Or the murderous dictator of Iran. Or a Chinese Communist Party peon lying about COVID,” conservative podcaster Liz Wheeler added.
“Joe Biden and the ruling party in the US celebrate kicking people off @twitter.” Richard Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany, tweeted. “You’ve helped create this censorship. Don’t be surprised when others use your rules.”
At the beginning of the year, Twitter suspended then-President Trump after he called for peace in the wake of the deadly riots at the Capitol.
Prior to Trump’s leaving office, NewsBusters found that Twitter censored Trump and his campaign over 600 times, whereas the Biden campaign had been censored zero times.
Conservatives are under attack. Contact Twitter at (415) 222-9670, on Facebook, on Twitter or by mail to 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, and demand that the platform provide equal footing for conservatives. If you have been censored, contact us at the Media Research Center contact form, and help us hold Big Tech accountable.
