Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The CEO of Twitter Jack Dorsey stepped down right before the trial started. I don't know if you saw that... Look convenient." — Unidentified Host 1
"Twitter suspended the account. Now what are the details this because on the surface it looks crazy." — Unidentified Host 1
"So they were spamming people they're basically saying that the account was trying to manipulate or spam on the platform. By giving details about it like I'm assuming they probably had like a bunch of accounts and so their site will post something and that's what I'm thinking of the ones reposting to make it look like it's a big story." — Unidentified Host 2
This segment, presented as an exclusive clip for Patreon supporters, focuses on the recent suspension of a Twitter account that was actively tracking the Ghislaine Maxwell trial. The hosts express surprise and skepticism regarding the platform's decision, especially in light of Jack Dorsey's departure from Twitter's CEO role shortly before the trial commenced. They question the timing and suggest it appears convenient, hinting at potential underlying reasons for the suspension.
The discussion delves into the official reasoning provided by Twitter for the suspension: violation of rules against platform manipulation and spam. The account in question, "tracker trial," reportedly gained half a million followers within two weeks. Twitter's notification cited the account for engaging in behavior intended to artificially amplify or suppress information and disrupt user experience. One host speculates this may involve utilizing multiple accounts to repost information and create an illusion of broader interest or impact.
The conversation expands to the broader concept of "watchdog" accounts. The hosts acknowledge other similar accounts, such as one that tracks Nancy Pelosi's investments. While the specific instance of the trial tracker's suspension is highlighted, the hosts suggest that the underlying issue might be Twitter's control over information flow. They express a general appreciation for the idea of easily accessible public information, likening it to the convenience of online tracking compared to traditional research methods like the Dewey Decimal System, which one host admits to not fully understanding.