Twitter announced on Sunday that it has permanently suspended the personal account of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia). The far-right politician has continually violated Twitter’s guidelines by spreading misinformation about Covid-19.
A spokesperson for Twitter explained the ban, saying that the platform has “been clear that, per our strike system for this policy, we will permanently suspend accounts for repeated violations of the policy.”
Greene, a proud conspiracy theorist, has had her account temporarily suspended in the past due to repeated posts spreading misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine and the global pandemic. Twitter’s spokesperson said that Greene committed her fifth and final strike on Saturday, when she tweeted false data alleging that many people have died from the Covid-19 vaccine.
In truth, Americans are encouraged report adverse events following Covid-19 vaccination to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. All Covid-19 vaccines in the U.S. have been scientifically proven to be extremely safe and effective.
According to Twitter’s policy on medical misinformation, Greene can appeal the permanent ban. She also maintains access to her official account.
Right-wing users have repeatedly criticized Twitter, claiming that it censors conservative voices. This complaint became especially prominent after Twitter and various other social networks permanently banned former President Donald Trump. The ban, which occurred in January, came after Trump encouraged his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol.
On Sunday, Greene posted on the messaging service Telegram that Twitter is an “enemy to America.” She also criticized Democrats, and added, “That’s fine, I’ll show America we don’t need them and it’s time to defeat our enemies.
Greene has been condemned for her controversial statements in the past, outside of Twitter. Last February, the House voted to strip her of her two committee roles, thereby reducing her influence on the creation of laws, due to her support for conspiracy theories and encouragement of violence against Democrats.
