Conservatives cry 'conspiracy' over Russian bot Twitter purge
While FBI special counsel Robert Mueller continues to look into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, Twitter is taking steps to avoid further propaganda being spread on its social media site. This week, the site began purging accounts that it suspected were Russian bot accounts being used to spread political propaganda.
While many praised Twitter for taking action against Russian meddling, the purge, being labeled #TwitterLockOut online, had an unexpected side effect: The lockout seemed to affect only conservative users.
Several right-wing Twitter users voiced their concerns about the purge, claiming the social site was “attacking” and “censoring” their accounts.
Twitter is currently purging the followers on conservative accounts only. I just lost 3000 followers in one minute. Check out the trending hashtag to confirm that it is ONLY conservative accounts that are being affected.
Holding for an explanation…#twitterlockout— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) February 21, 2018
Twitter escalates its war against Conservative users.
Conducts late-night sneak attack on Conservative accounts.
Accounts locks. Hundreds, and even thousands, of followers lost.#TwitterLockOuthttps://t.co/8VmLXKZzFM
— Mark Pantano (@TheMarkPantano) February 21, 2018
Did anyone get a “heads up” up from @Twitter @TwitterSupport prior to them purging followers?
I’d give them benefit of doubt but they’ve been caught too many times censoring conservative accounts#TwitterLockOut https://t.co/Wi1q9KdAb7
— MFLYNNJR (@mflynnJR) February 21, 2018
From the liberal side of Twitter, the response was mixed. Some were thrilled the social media site is taking action against Russian meddling.
Since Trump won’t do anything about Russia, Twitter had to. Good to see Twitter taking steps to lock out so many Russia bots and Trolls! Now we can get back to Resisting in peace! #TwitterLockOut
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) February 21, 2018
If you read the posts with hashtag #TwitterLockOut, it's almost all Republicans claiming to have lost hundreds or even thousands of followers overnight.
This is because Twitter purged Russian Bot accounts. I didn't lose a single follower that I'm aware of
Bots follow the GOP
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) February 21, 2018
Others found #TwitterLockOut more entertaining, particularly the conservative uproar over lost followers. These users mocked the right.
#MAGA, come on.
*People* aren't being purged.
BOTS are being purged.
If your friend's account says "temporarily restricted", that just means they have to log in to prove they are a real person.
And it isn't just happening to conservatives. #TwitterLockOut#WednesdayWisdom pic.twitter.com/ZTy1ysEvkN— Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) February 21, 2018
My kids would have a fit too if they lost their imaginary friends.#TwitterLockOut
— Devin Duke (@sirDukeDevin) February 21, 2018
Happy Russian Bot Rapture Day everyone! Please celebrate responsibly! #TwitterLockOut pic.twitter.com/Nsnml6X4vl
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) February 21, 2018
Twitter has not responded to the controversy it created.
Social media declares Black Panther‘s Shuri is the best Disney princess:
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: