Twitter has barred users from sharing links to Mastodon, its social media rival. Mastodon is divided into servers based on a variety of topics such as the United Kingdom, snooker, and security. Twitter has blocked access to some of the largest servers, including the most popular “social” channel.
And Twitter is also stopping users from adding links to their Mastodon account in their bios – calling them “malware”. There is no evidence to support the claim that Mastodon contains malware, which is malicious software that can harm your device. Mastodon reported that it gained hundreds of thousands of users in November, with some Twitter users looking for alternatives.
We were unable to post links to the most popular mastodon. social server, as well as more than ten others, including one for journalists and another for people in the United Kingdom. However, not all Mastodon links have been blocked, and there are workarounds.
Because it is not a clickable link, the BBC’s technology editor Zoe Kleinman was able to successfully tweet a reference to her Mastodon account – zsk@mastodonapp.uk. A subsequent attempt to convert the reference into a clickable link to her Mastodon page was unsuccessful. It’s unclear how many Mastodon servers Twitter has blocked, or why.
The knives appear to be out for journalists so a small reminder that you can also find me here zsk@mastodonapp.uk
— Zoe Kleinman (@zsk) December 16, 2022
In addition to blocking specific links to Mastodon, Twitter has taken action against its competitor’s main account.
The Twitter account @joinmastodon, which promoted the site and its features, was unexpectedly suspended on Thursday, along with those of several prominent journalists covering Twitter CEO Elon Musk.
The EU has threatened Mr. Musk with sanctions, with commissioner Vera Jourova warning that the EU’s Digital Services Act requires media freedom to be respected. “That is something Elon Musk should be aware of. There are several red lines. And soon, sanctions, “She used Twitter.
According to a Twitter spokesperson, the journalists’ ban was related to the live sharing of location data.
Mr. Musk threatened to sue the owner of a Twitter account that tracked his private jet. This account has been suspended as well. While no reason has been given for Mastodon’s suspension, there is a coincidence in timing: @joinmastodon shared a link showing where the person tracking Mr. Musk’s jet can be found on the rival social media site just hours before.
Will Moy, chief executive at fact-checking charity Full Fact, said he knew of “no reason” for there to be “a general block on Mastodon”.
“It is distressing that a critical social media company like Twitter appears to be making erratic and unaccountable decisions that affect what we can all see and share online,” he said.
“If we are serious about defending our democracy and acknowledging the powerful influence that social media can have in shaping our democratic debate, we must also be serious about holding that power accountable.”
