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Is the Taliban on Twitter?
Social media companies have been fighting extremists and terrorists to combat disinformation on their platforms. But is the Taliban on Twitter? We see Taliban spokesmen blasting Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and encouraging cryptocurrency. They’re using social media as a megaphone to reach the mainstream, but how can they fight back? Here are some tips. Read this article and decide for yourself. Then share it with your friends!
Taliban spokesmen criticize Mark Zuckerberg
Tech giants like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have banned accounts associated with the Taliban. The militants have made extensive use of social media platforms, including Twitter, to spread propaganda and recruit fighters. With the Taliban’s recent takeover of Afghanistan, these tech giants are facing new challenges in moderation and control of content. In response, one of the Taliban spokesmen, Zabihullah Mujahid, has more than 310,000 followers on Twitter. He has an account since 2017 and has been criticizing Facebook and YouTube for letting him use the platforms.
Facebook’s actions have a distinctly different moral stance than the Taliban’s. They have repeatedly cited the Specially Designated Global Terrorists list as a legal basis for its Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy. Yet, legal scholars question the legitimacy of Facebook’s reliance on the SDR list, which does not obligate it to censor content related to the Taliban.
They promise to build an inclusive government that protects women
Last weekend, Amina Mohammed, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, led a delegation to Kabul to address the Taliban’s promise to build an inclusive government that protects women. Afghan women have suffered a great deal in four decades of war, with the Taliban denying them health care, education, and protection from extreme violence. While women in Afghanistan have made great strides since the conflict began 18 years ago, they must be included in the peace process to ensure sustainable peace.
Since their takeover, the Taliban have made several promises, including protection for free media and women’s rights, while remaining true to Islam’s law. In addition to this, the Taliban also promised not to retaliate against foreigners, which is not surprising given the country’s history of war. They also promised to build an inclusive government with the international community and to protect women.
They encourage cryptocurrency
A recent story in Hacker Noon details how early investors in cryptocurrencies in Afghanistan were able to escape the country and safely return home. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have not publicly stated their opinion on cryptocurrency, but it has its supporters. An Afghan woman suggested on Twitter that the Taliban leadership learn how to exchange cryptocurrencies. The idea was intriguing, since it would allow them to avoid the Western financial system. But measuring the rate at which these new digital coins are adopted is tricky. Moreover, many people are actively hiding their identities, such as using a virtual private network to mask their digital footprints.
After the Taliban were overthrown, the group began using social media to spread their message. They posted videos and messages online and encouraged followers to do the same. Although they don’t use official accounts on Twitter, they have thousands of anonymous accounts. These accounts are used to communicate with supporters and share messages, including those that may be politically sensitive. However, some of these accounts are run by shady characters, and the Taliban’s social media presence on Twitter is often accompanied by threats and propaganda.
They have a social-media megaphone
While China, Russia, and other countries are taking steps to block the use of their platforms, the Taliban are quickly becoming adept at posting and using social media. During their 1996-2001 tenure, social media was almost completely unavailable. However, with the rise of ISIS, the Taliban have learned the power of the internet. They now control a thriving social media landscape and use thousands of Twitter accounts, some of which are official, to intimidate Afghans and spread their message.
Social networks are a powerful tool for militant groups, and the Taliban have harnessed its power to post images and messages that are both shocking and edifying. Although they adhere to ancient moral codes and have long been a part of Afghanistan’s society, the Taliban have used sophisticated social media tactics to garner political momentum and build a public case for their rule. Despite the Taliban’s presence in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, many of their supporters have Facebook accounts, Twitter accounts, and WhatsApp group chats. Their message often challenges the stereotypes of Western culture, including violence, by staying within the evolving boundaries of taste.
