Twitter gets defensive
Twitter has come under attack from hacktivists and was blocked for a couple of hours yesterday, according to the company's blog.
Twitter has reportedly promised it did not block #wikileaks and #cablegate from its trending topics list, despite accusations, as it tried to dodge the wrath of pro-WikiLeaks protestors. The micro blogging site has also been recently accused of blocking communications from student protest groups.
Carolyn Penner wrote: "This week, people are wondering about WikiLeaks, with some asking if Twitter has blocked #wikileaks, #cablegate or other related topics from appearing in the list of top Trends. The answer: Absolutely not. In fact, some of these terms, including #wikileaks and #cablegate, have previously trended either worldwide or in specific locations."
On the defensive, she tried to explain how Twitter's trending system works, effectively blaming the algorithm, which she said favours novelty over straight-forward popularity.
As companies and governments alike fear the WikiLeaks effect and reprisals from hacktivists, they might be worried to know that WikiLeaks will reportedly have a rival next year, as former WikiLeaks staffers set up their own whistle blowing site.
'Open Leaks' is believed to have been set up by Daniel Domscheit-Berg and is expected to debut in mid-December (so any day now) and just like its rival, will post and host information.
