The Twitter platform announced that it would delete tweets from those users who openly wish US President Donald Trump's death from coronavirus. Last week it became known that the American President and his wife, Melania Trump, were tested positive for COVID-19.
The Internet Protocol
Soon after this news, a large number of messages appeared on Twitter, in which users expressed hope for Trump's early death.
Some "advise" him to drink bleach to "cure," others suggest that he "sacrifice himself" along with 200,000 Americans who have died from the coronavirus.
I hope you make “the sacrifice” too; like other people have.
— One Voice (@OneVoic09474519) October 2, 2020
Twitter called this behavior inhumane, announcing that it will remove offending content from comments on Trump's tweets, content tagging him, and suspend people who hope for Trump's death, as well as block accounts, enabling them to be "read-only."
The Internet Protocol
However, given the multimillion-dollar army of Donald Trump's followers on Twitter, the platform is unlikely to be able to block all malicious posts on time.
tweets that wish or hope for death, serious bodily harm or fatal disease against *anyone* are not allowed and will need to be removed. this does not automatically mean suspension. https://t.co/lQ8wWGL2y0 https://t.co/P2vGfUeUQf
— Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) October 2, 2020
Twitter published the actual rules under Twitter's Abusive Behavior policy, where it is clearly indicated when it applies and what the consequences are.
Meanwhile, the president's tweet that he was infected with COVID-19 is reportedly the most popular post in his account's history. For the moment of publication, Trump's coronavirus tweet has 1,8 million likes, 919,300 retweets, and 573,500 comments.
Before this, Donald Trump's most popular tweet was about his joy at the release of rapper A$AP Rocky from a Swedish prison and his return to the United States.
