Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey cited his passion for Bitcoin and decentralization in a Twitter thread today explaining why the company banned U.S. President Donald Trump from the platform last week. Although claiming this was the “right decision for Twitter,” the CEO admits it sets a dangerous precedent. The U.S. President was banned from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms on January 7 after he was blamed for inciting supporters to storm the Capitol building, resulting in the death of four individuals.
That said, having to ban an account has real and significant ramifications. While there are clear and obvious exceptions, I feel a ban is a failure of ours ultimately to promote healthy conversation. And a time for us to reflect on our operations and the environment around us.
— jack (@jack) January 14, 2021
The decision to ban President’s account will have “real and significant ramifications.”
Twitter CEO gave a more in-depth explanation, admitting the decision was not taken lightly and that it will have “real and significant ramifications.” He noted that even though this event was simply “a company making a business decision to moderate itself,” it can feel very similar to “government removing access.” Dorsey further explained that he didn’t want Twitter’s unilateral action to “erode a free and open global internet” and suggested that Bitcoin’s decentralization model is a better way to approach control and moderation on the internet in the future.
Twitter CEO continues to advocate for bitcoin.
Jack Dorsey tweeted, “The reason I have so much passion for Bitcoin is mainly because of the model it demonstrates: a foundational internet technology that is not controlled or influenced by any single individual or entity.” He further reminded users that Twitter is actively trying to progress towards a decentralized future, “funding an initiative around an open decentralized standard for social media.” Dorsey had posted the explanation as news emerged of Trump being impeached for a second time by the House of Representatives earlier. Twitter CEO has been a long time advocate for the leading cryptocurrency.
