Thailand Government would be the first one to use Twitter’s censorship feature

by Swati on January 30th, 2012

Twitter users and activists worldwide are unhappy with Twitter’s new policy to censor tweets in specific countries and suppress free speech on the microblogging site. However, countries that abide by strict Internet and online content policies, are welcoming Twitter after this new change.

According to a recent report from the Bangkok Post, the Thailand Information and Communication Technology Ministry is planning to endorse Twitter’s new censorship feature by ensuring that tweets disseminated in Thailand are in compliance with the local law.

“Twitter’s move to censor or block content regarded as offensive in particular countries was a welcome development. The ICT Ministry will contact Twitter shortly to discuss ways in which they could collaborate,” said ICT permanent secretary Jeerawan Boonperm.

Twitter users in Thailand have expressed dismay at the policy change.

“If Twitter dares to censor tweets and support Thailand in its attempt to suppress Free Speech, I will close my Twitter account,” tweeted one of the users named @freakingcat.

While censorship of tweets might curb legal disputes and riots, it may come at the expense of online freedom of speech.

The move is most likely being prompted by Twitter’s plan to expand its services to countries like China, that are known for censoring content deemed inflammatory, and expect western Internet firms that operate in the country to implement this policy.

Twitter’s old system relied on government requests for tweets to be blocked or removed. The new system will be faster and will screen tweets before they are published and would automatically filter mentions or retweeted messages related to the tweet being considered for censorship.

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