Islamic State supporters are reportedly using Trumpworld social network GETTR as a 'safe haven' for extremism
GETTR, the newly-launched, free speech-touting social network founded by members of former President Donald Trump's inner circle, is being "inundated with terrorist propaganda spread by supporters of Islamic State," Politico reports following a review of platform activity.
Such content includes "graphic videos of beheadings, viral memes that promote violence against the West and even memes of a militant executing Trump" in a Guantanamo Bay-esque orange jumpsuit, Politico writes. The social network, intended as a "MAGA-alternative to sites like Facebook and Twitter," launched only a month ago. The debacle highlights the obstacles ahead of GETTR, as it attempts to uphold a "free speech ethos" without creating a "safe haven" for extremism, per Politico.
Moustafa Ayad, an executive director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue — a "think tank that tracks online extremism" — told Politico that Islamic State "has been very quick to exploit GETTR." "On Facebook, there was on one of these accounts that I follow that is known to be Islamic State, which said 'Oh, Trump announced his new platform. Inshallah, all the mujahideen will exploit that platform." Ayad went on, "The next day, there were at least 15 accounts on GETTR that were Islamic State."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
GETTR eventually took steps to remove some of the myriad jihadi posts from early July. Still, without the same resources available to Facebook and Twitter, jihadists appear to be testing fledgling GETTR's likely less-robust detection services so they can "stay one step ahead of online removals," per Politico.
Trump himself is not directly involved in GETTR's operations, nor has he made an account. Read more at Politico.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
The drive behind Germany's pro-Israel political consensus
Under the Radar Belief that Israel's security is a 'raison d'etre for the German republic' is under growing pressure
By The Week UK Published
-
'The House under GOP rule has become a hostile workplace'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
The Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal is about more than bad bets
In The Spotlight The firestorm surrounding one of baseball's biggest stars threatens to upend a generational legacy and professional sports at large
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'The House under GOP rule has become a hostile workplace'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Trump gets $289M break, first criminal trial date
Speed Read The former president's fraud bond has been reduced to $175 million from $464 million
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US-Israel rift widens after UN cease-fire resolution
Speed Read The U.S. declined to veto a U.N. resolution calling for a two-week "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New Jersey first lady exits race to replace Menendez
Speed Read Tammy Murphy dropping out paves the way for Rep. Andy Kim to become the state's next senator
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia blames Ukraine for deadly ISIS Moscow attack
Speed Read Putin has ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the concert hall shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'A "conservative voice" does not spread misinformation for political advantage'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Barack Obama 'behind Starmer transformation'
Under The Radar The former US president urged Labour leader to 'talk more openly'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Trump-RNC pact puts Trump legal bills ahead of GOP
Speed Read The former president has struck a deal with the Republican National Committee to put donations toward his legal bills
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published