Loved ones of victims of the Zaventem and Paris attacks have lodged a joint action against Twitter in the United States. They consider that the social network has not taken sufficient steps to prevent terrorists disseminating their message and are claiming compensation, the value of which is yet to be quantified.
Several media outlets are indicating this today (Tuesday).
Proceedings have commenced in New York by Alexander Pinczowski's partner. He died with his sister in Zaventem on March 22nd. Also joined in the proceedings are the loved ones of Nohemi Gonzalez, who died in Paris on November 13th.
The plaintiffs in this case claim that Twitter has provided IS terrorists with “a unique and powerful means of communication” which has assisted them to meet their objectives. These loved ones are of the opinion that Twitter has trampled over the American anti-terrorist legislation.
This is not the first time that Twitter or social networks in general have been blamed for their use by terrorists. Legal action had already been taken following the massacre in Orlando in June last year.
For some considerable time Twitter gave a broad interpretation to freedom of expression on the Internet, but for two years has taken a more severe approach to hate-mongers, thus yielding to political pressure.
In August, the company indicated that it had closed some 360,000 accounts promoting terrorism.
The Brussels Times
