Faith Nyasuguta
Twitter has confirmed that it has suspended several accounts focusing on the conflict in Ethiopia for violating its rules.
Speaking to the BBC, Twitter did not give an exact figure. However, pro-Tigrayan users approximated the affected accounts could number in the hundreds.
According to the social media giant, it took this action for “violations of the Twitter rules, including engaging in hashtag and mention spam” – where specific hashtags and Twitter handles are repeatedly included in tweets.
“This is in line with our continued efforts to protect the safety of the conversation on Twitter related to the ongoing situation in Ethiopia.”
A number of vocal Twitter handles that are allied to the Tigrayan forces fighting the Ethiopian government have been complaining of losing hundreds of followers, while others complained of their friends having been dismissed from the platform:
Whereas majority of the affected accounts appear to be pro-Tigrayan, Twitter indicated that it enforces its rules “objectively on content and accounts – we remain neutral to political identity and ideology”.
Affected accounts are allowed to appeal against the decision.
In 2021, social media companies were under fire for what critics intimate is their inaction over use of their platforms to spread hate and incitement.
In November last year, Twitter temporarily disabled its Trends function for Ethiopia which is meant to show the topics that are most popular at any given time.
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