Twitter's approach to free speech has found an unexpected ally in the form of a senior Taliban official, Anas Haqqani. The endorsement from the Afghan ruling Taliban comes as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, launched its rival platform, Threads. Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, has been vocal about rejecting censorship and advocating for freedom of expression on the social media platform.
Haqqani, who holds no government portfolio but is considered a significant figure within the Taliban, praised Twitter for its "two major advantages." His tweet highlights that these advantages include freedom of expression and the public nature and credibility of Twitter. He also criticized Meta, claiming that it has "intolerant politics" and cannot replace Twitter.
However, Haqqani's endorsement of Twitter's approach to free speech has sparked widespread criticism. Many point out that the Taliban government in Afghanistan restricts freedom of expression for its citizens, with strict monitoring of social media activity and the arrest of individuals who criticize the government.
Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban has increased its presence on social media platforms, including Twitter. However, many accounts associated with the Taliban or their supporters have been swiftly blocked, including those with keywords related to the group or featuring their distinctive white flag. Meta has been actively closing accounts linked to the Taliban on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Meta's actions to block Taliban-associated accounts are in line with their policy of complying with U.S. law, which designates the Taliban as a "terrorist organization." In 2022, Facebook closed the pages of Afghanistan's public radio and television station, RTA, and the Bakhtar news agency, citing compliance with U.S. law.
Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter last year, has restored numerous accounts that were previously blocked, including that of former U.S. president Donald Trump. Critics argue that this move has benefited conspiracy theorists, opponents of vaccination, and individuals suspended for spreading misinformation, harassment, and expressions of hatred.
Anas Haqqani, the brother of influential Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, has gained a significant following on Twitter, with over 500,000 followers. He often expresses himself in English, covering various topics ranging from cricket to poetry, as well as national and international politics.
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