Success: Twitter Protects Free Speech For Anti-Trump Account

Target: Jack Dorsey, Twitter CEO

Goal: Applaud Twitter’s protection of free speech and user privacy in the face of a federal demand.

Thanks to petitions like ForceChange’s Drop Charges Brought Against Teen For Twitter Posts, a federal agency has dropped a demand it previously issued to Twitter to reveal information about the user behind an anti-Trump Twitter account. Twitter filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the demand for information, with the result that the demand has been dropped. After successfully standing up for its users right to privacy and free speech, Twitter dismissed the lawsuit.

The Trump administration, specifically US Customs and Border Protection, had demanded personal information of the user behind the account @ALT_USCIS, which is dedicated to resisting the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Twitter’s responding lawsuit read, “The rights of free speech afforded Twitter’s users and Twitter itself under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution include a right to disseminate such anonymous or pseudonymous political speech.”

This administration’s attempt to silence federal agencies, most notably the National Park Service, via social media has set a dangerous and problematic precedent regarding free speech and the relationship between the federal government and American citizens. Twitter’s move to protect its users is an important victory during this challenging time.

By signing this petition, you will applaud Twitter’s dedication to preserving privacy and free speech on its platform.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Dorsey,

Thanks to the lawsuit Twitter brought against the Trump administration, US Customs and Border Protection has dropped its demand that your company release personal information about the user behind the @ALT_USCIS account. Your company’s quick response to the federal demand for information and flagrant invasion of privacy sent an important message to the Trump administration regarding the internet rights of American citizens.

Thank you for the part you played in safeguarding free speech and user privacy.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Public Domain