Image source: ABC News
Alex Jones is one of the people banned on the popular social media platform Twitter for constantly spreading lies and hoaxes.
While new owner Elon Musk has lifted the ban on other banned users, Jones remains unwelcome on Twitter.
Musk
Last week, Elon Musk said Alex Jones would not return to Twitter, despite some users calling for his return.
Twitter’s new owner defended his attempt to restore several suspended accounts over the weekend, including former US President Donald Trump.
When a user asked about Jones’ Twitter return, Musk replied, “No.”
Since lying about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Alex Jones has been in trouble for claiming the tragedy was a hoax.
As a result, he must pay hundreds of millions of dollars in damages to the families of the shooting victims.
The Twitter owner explained on Sunday, citing the Bible and his personal experience with sudden infant death syndrome.
“My firstborn child died in my arms. I felt his heartbeat,” Musk tweeted.
“I have no mercy for anyone who would use the deaths of children for gain, politics or fame.”
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The response
The news of the continued suspension of Alex Jones has caused a wave of reactions.
While some Twitter users praised Musk’s decision, Jones’ self-professed supporters denounced the Twitter owner for his inconsistent support of free speech principles.
Additionally, Alex Jones said he was okay with not returning to Twitter and mentioned other platforms he could use instead.
“Don’t blame Musk at the end of the day because he didn’t bring me back,” Jones told his supporters.
“I’m the most controversial figure in the world because I’m the most threatening to the new world order. So don’t expect him to bring me back on day one.”
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Musk’s decisions
Twitter’s new owner’s decision regarding Jones was suddenly announced and left no room for debate.
However, this contradicted his actions toward Trump.
Musk’s decision was based on an unscientific poll on the platform.
The results, he said, are the will of the people.
He also suggested that anti-Trump bots manipulated the poll during the voting period.
In addition, his stance on Alex Jones deviates from his promise to wait until a new content moderation council is established before making significant decisions or restoring accounts.
Elon Musk told a Twitter Spaces event that it could be months before the council meets for the first time.
Additionally, Musk’s new approach has raised questions about the rubric he will use to determine the future of a suspended account.
Users say it will be a decision matrix based on Musk’s beliefs rather than objective free speech principles or clear terms of service.
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