LUKE MARSDEN: Gagging Trump on social media is a blow to freedom of speech

I’ve asked a few social media experts I know, and they have told me it seems to be a glitch, that, again oddly, is only affecting my account. I even looked online but the issue doesn’t seem to be talked about.

I personally think it’s something bigger. It’s no coincidence that my last written post on there was what I revealed in this very column last week: that I wouldn’t be participating in the (now flopped) re-run of clap for heroes. I posted on my Instagram story that it was a pointless and potentially dangerous exercise in the middle of winter.

Now, I’m not saying things are as bad as President Trump’s online problem. I haven’t been banned or silenced but it’s very peculiar indeed and I have reached out to Instagram for clarity but thus far have heard nothing back.

I disagree with the social media platforms’ stance on silencing the leader of the free world. I think this will in the long run backfire on Twitter and the gang. Whether you love him or hate him we should have the choice to read or not read his thoughts. Just like many can’t stand to watch Piers Morgan while eating their cornflakes in a morning, we have a choice to switch him off.

Perhaps you’ve stopped reading this column (many thanks if you’ve got to the end!) but that would be your choice to read it or not. I think the right to air opinions is more important than ever, apart from the small few who think Covid-19 is fake, I think we can all agree on that point!

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