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Users protest controversial Twitter policy

(RNN) - Twitter announced a new form of country-specific tweet blocking Thursday, and tweeters are fighting back.

Users of the social media site from across the globe began uniting to protect their right to non-censorship via the internet, by calling for a blackout on Jan. 28.

Under #TwitterBlackout, they expressed outrage, disinterest and sometimes a lack of knowledge on what the blackout is all about.

"Anyway, #TwitterBlackout in about an hour. If we can't talk freely, then why talk at all?" tweeted @blockycuvature.

Another user, @Gemmahahaha wrote "Definitely wasn't aware that there was supposed to be a #TwitterBlackout thing going on today…"

[SLIDESHOW: #TwitterBlackout tweets]

The "country withheld content" policy information explains that many countries have varying laws that may apply to Twitter content.

A statement from Twitter acknowledged if a "valid and properly scoped request" comes from an "authorized entity," it may be necessary to withhold a message from a particular county in an effort to make its content available to users everywhere.

The site became a sounding board for those opposing online censorship, like the Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act bills many believe would violate personal rights online.

With Twitter growing and expanding, however, this move is seen by many as an attempt to set the stage for entering some countries like China, where censorship by authorities is non-negotiable.

If your tweet is withheld, the comment will be grayed-out with a notice of "This Tweet from @username has been withheld in: Country." The same message will appear if your entire account has been withheld from a certain country.

If you find your content has been withheld, you can challenge the underlying request, delete the tweet, deactivate your account or simply leave the content online.

Twitter does not see this new policy as true censorship, but as a protection of free speech. Currently, they can only respond to government requests by removing the offending post globally. The new policy will allow them to simply remove the post from being viewed in the offended country, while allowing everyone else to still view it.

ChillingEffects.org/Twitter provides a list of all takedown requests the company agreed to comply with.

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