The Twitter API Leak is a screenshot that allegedly reveals a section of the Okta Twitter configuration, enabling Twitter Protected users to break the site’s strict Terms of Service without any consequences.
The leak was made public on a Discord server in July 2024.
Later, it was leaked on X by a user who went by the name of @TheAntifaTurtle.
The leak would not have drawn much attention if it were not for the user’s account being suspended by X.
The suspension has stirred a Pandora’s box and has led many to believe that the leak was genuine and that the social media site orchestrated a cover-up, though the veracity of the claims has not been confirmed.
What Exactly Is “Twitter API Leak” Controversy?
On July 24, 2024, X user @TheAntifaTurtle posted a screenshot of an Okta Twitter configuration originally posted on a Discord server.
The screenshot allegedly displayed the backend of Twitter, which whitelists Twitter Protected users who can contravene the strict terms of service without being banned or suspended.
The Twitter Protected users list included mostly persons with right-wing and conservative views, including the likes of Donald Trump, LibsOfTikTok, Andrew Tate, and Elon Musk.
The leak also revealed that the whitelist also includes slurs.
Incidentally, @TheAntifaTurtle’s account was suspended shortly after leaking the code.
X user @brndxix shared the leak and also shared a picture showing the suspended account. The post raked in 150,000 likes within 24 hours.
Additionally, reposts of the leaked screenshot have been labelled as manipulated media by X.
Netizens React
One user in the comment section wrote: “literally watched it happen in real time can’t even make ts up”
“Nah you know how f**king crazy it is that he didn’t even community note the tweet or anything just instantly suspended no warning at all, covering up a crime scene I swear” said another.
One user quoted: “Its not a free speech platform, its a hate speech platform that silences opposition.”
One user reshared the screenshot containing protected slurs.
“There are probably so many more little hidden gems in the algo that make it Elon’s personal playground.” one said.
Also Read: Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg Cage Fight: Musk Ready to Fight ‘any place, any time, any rules’
