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Tag Archives: Weiss
Elon Musk’s second installment of ‘Twitter Files’ reveals ‘secret blacklists,’ Bari Weiss reports
The second installment of Elon Musk’s so-called “Twitter Files” shed light on the company’s practices of secretly “blacklisting” certain tweets and users.
“A new #TwitterFiles investigation reveals that teams of Twitter employees build blacklists, prevent disfavored tweets from trending, and actively limit the visibility of entire accounts or even trending topics—all in secret, without informing users,” journalist Bari Weiss began her thread on Thursday.
“Twitter once had a mission ‘to give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers.’ Along the way, barriers nevertheless were erected,” Weiss wrote.
OUSTED TWITTER COUNSEL JIM BAKER VETTED ‘TWITTER FILES’ WITHOUT ELON MUSK’S KNOWLEDGE, MATT TAIBBI REVEALS
She pointed to Stanford University’s Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a longstanding opponent of COVID groupthink during the pandemic who expressed opposition to lockdowns.
“Twitter secretly placed him on a ‘Trends Blacklist,’ which prevented his tweets from trending,” Weiss reported.
Weiss highlighted that Fox News host Dan Bongino was placed on a “Search Blacklist” and Twitter had Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk on “Do Not Amplify.”
Bongino reacted the revelations, tweeting, “We ALWAYS knew we were a target of the Twitter suppression machine. ALWAYS. Yet liberals insisted it was another ‘conspiracy theory.’ Tonight is vindication, yet I expect no apologies from liberals. They live to abuse power and they’ll make no apologies for doing so.”
“Twitter denied that it does such things,” Weiss wrote. “In 2018, Twitter’s Vijaya Gadde (then Head of Legal Policy and Trust) and Kayvon Beykpour (Head of Product) said: ‘We do not shadow ban.’ They added: ‘And we certainly don’t shadow ban based on political viewpoints or ideology.’
Weiss revealed that the common term “shadow banning,” a term described to secretly suppressing Twitter users without their knowledge, was referred to by Twitter executives and employees as “Visibility Filtering” or “VF.”
JIM BAKER, OUSTED TWITTER LAWYER AND EX-FBI OFFICIAL INVOLVED IN RUSSIAGATE, WAS A CNN ANALYST IN BETWEEN JOBS
“‘Think about visibility filtering as being a way for us to suppress what people see to different levels. It’s a very powerful tool,’ one senior Twitter employee told us,” Weiss tweeted. “‘VF’ refers to Twitter’s control over user visibility. It used VF to block searches of individual users; to limit the scope of a particular tweet’s discoverability; to block select users’ posts from ever appearing on the ‘trending’ page; and from inclusion in hashtag searches. All without users’ knowledge.”
One Twitter engineer told Weiss, “We control visibility quite a bit. And we control the amplification of your content quite a bit. And normal people do not know how much we do.”
“The group that decided whether to limit the reach of certain users was the Strategic Response Team – Global Escalation Team, or SRT-GET. It often handled up to 200 ‘cases’ a day,” Weiss reported. “But there existed a level beyond official ticketing, beyond the rank-and-file moderators following the company’s policy on paper. That is the ‘Site Integrity Policy, Policy Escalation Support,’ known as ‘SIP-PES.’
“This secret group included Head of Legal, Policy, and Trust (Vijaya Gadde), the Global Head of Trust & Safety (Yoel Roth), subsequent CEOs Jack Dorsey and Parag Agrawal, and others. This is where the biggest, most politically sensitive decisions got made. ‘Think high follower account, controversial,’ another Twitter employee told us. For these ‘there would be no ticket or anything.'” Weiss continued.
One account Weiss said rose to such a level belongs to the popular Twitter personality Libs of TikTok, who was placed on a “Trends Blacklist” designated as “Do Not Take Action on User Without Consulting With SIP-PES.”
“The account—which Chaya Raichik began in November 2020 and now boasts over 1.4 million followers—was subjected to six suspensions in 2022 alone, Raichik says. Each time, Raichik was blocked from posting for as long as a week. Twitter repeatedly informed Raichik that she had been suspended for violating Twitter’s policy against ‘hateful conduct.’ But in an internal SIP-PES memo from October 2022, after her seventh suspension, the committee acknowledged that ‘LTT has not directly engaged in behavior violative of the Hateful Conduct policy,’” Weiss revealed.
ELON MUSK TELLS JACK DORSEY ‘IMPORTANT’ TWITTER FILES WERE ‘HIDDEN’ FROM BOSSES, SUGGESTS SOME WERE ‘DELETED’
She added, “The committee justified her suspensions internally by claiming her posts encouraged online harassment of ‘hospitals and medical providers’ by insinuating ‘that gender-affirming healthcare is equivalent to child abuse or grooming.’ Compare this to what happened when Raichik herself was doxxed on November 21, 2022. A photo of her home with her address was posted in a tweet that has garnered more than 10,000 likes. When Raichik told Twitter that her address had been disseminated she says Twitter Support responded with this message: “We reviewed the reported content, and didn’t find it to be in violation of the Twitter rules.” No action was taken. The doxxing tweet is still up.”
Weiss went on to share internal Slack messages from Yoel Roth, the former head of trust and safety at Twitter, sent to employees explaining the technicalities of Twitter’s policies to justify the restricting the visibility of certain tweets and users.
“Six days later, in a direct message with an employee on the Health, Misinformation, Privacy, and Identity research team, Roth requested more research to support expanding ‘non-removal policy interventions like disabling engagements and deamplification/visibility filtering,’” Weiss reported. “Roth wrote: ‘The hypothesis underlying much of what we’ve implemented is that if exposure to, e.g., misinformation directly causes harm, we should use remediations that reduce exposure, and limiting the spread/virality of content is a good way to do that.’ He added: “We got Jack on board with implementing this for civic integrity in the near term, but we’re going to need to make a more robust case to get this into our repertoire of policy remediations – especially for other policy domains.”
Weiss revealed her team of journalists reporting on the Twitter saga including Abigail Shirer, Michael Shellenberger, Isaac Grafstein and Nellie Bowles, telling her followers “The authors have broad and expanding access to Twitter’s files. The only condition we agreed to was that the material would first be published on Twitter.”
She closed her thread by teasing the third installment will be shared by Substack writer Matt Taibbi.
The first installment of “The Twitter Files,” shared Friday by Taibbi, offered insight as to what led to Twitter’s suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 presidential election. At the time, Twitter alleged it was enforcing it’s “hacked materials” policy that banned the sharing of digitally stolen material on the platform despite any evidence that the laptop was hacked.
DEMOCRATIC REP. RO KHANNA EXPRESSED CONCERNS OVER TWITTER’S CENSORSHIP OF HUNTER BIDEN LAPTOP STORY
Taibbi reported that the decision to censor the Hunter Biden scandal were made at the highest levels at Twitter but without the knowledge of its then-CEO Jack Dorsey.
“‘They just freelanced it,’ is how one former employee characterized the decision. ‘Hacking was the excuse, but within a few hours, pretty much everyone realized that wasn’t going to hold. But no one had the guts to reverse it,’” Taibbi wrote.
Taibbi then shared a screenshot of an exchange between Gadde, Roth and Twitter spokesman Trenton Kennedy, who wrote “I’m struggling to understand the policy basis for marking this as unsafe.”
“Can we truthfully claim that this is part of the policy?” Twitter’s former VP of Global Comms Brandon Borrman similarly asked at the time, according to a separate screenshot shared by Taibbi.
Twitter’s former Deputy General Counsel Jim Baker replied, “I support the conclusion that we need more facts to assess whether the materials were hacked” but added “it’s reasonable for us to assume that they may have been and that caution is warranted.”
It was later revealed that Baker had vetted the first batch of “Twitter Files” unbeknownst to Musk, which quickly led to Baker’s termination. It is unclear whether Baker’s involvement in vetting the “Twitter Files” led Taibbi to draw that conclusion and whether Baker omitted files that would have shown the federal government intervening in Twitter’s suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story.
Taibbi initially reported “Although several sources recalled hearing about a ‘general’ warning from federal law enforcement that summer about possible foreign hacks, there’s no evidence – that I’ve seen – of any government involvement in the laptop story.”
Musk had been vocal about being transparent when it comes to Twitter’s past and present actions it takes when it comes to curating content on the platform, including censored content.
Twitter famously blocked its users from sharing the New York Post’s reporting of Hunter Biden’s laptop in tweets and in direct messages.
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At the time, Twitter Safety alleged that the articles were in violation of its “hacked materials policy.” Twitter’s then-CEO Jack Dorsey admitted his company’s actions were a mistake.
Many critics believe the suppression of the Hunter Biden scandal by Big Tech and the media at large was enough to sway the election in favor of his father.
‘The Mighty Ducks’ star Shaun Weiss posts before-and-after photos celebrating two years sober
The 43-year-old former child star, best known for playing Greg Goldberg in the Disney comedy franchise about a misfit hockey team, became unrecognizable at the height of his addiction to crystal methamphetamine. He was gaunt, lost most of his teeth, and made headlines for multiple arrests.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with 12 amazing steps,” the caption read.
He added the caption: “🙏 for your 💜& support!!.”
Weiss took the opportunity to encourage others to take a step toward sobriety by posting: “If you or someone you know is in need of treatment — 866.480.2496.”
Weiss’ meth addiction sent him on a downward spiral. In August 2018, he was arrested for public intoxication before being released without charges.
‘Storage Wars’ Star Barry Weiss Makes Surprise Return to Show
A+E Networks
“Storage Wars” star Barry Weiss returned to filming the only way he knows how … by surprising the cast with a grand entrance.
TMZ’s got this first look at Barry back in action for the Season 13 premiere of the hit A&E show. The episode, shot in March, shows Barry filming for the first time since a terrible bike crash sidelined him for quite a while.
You can see in the video Barry hasn’t lost his sense of humor or style, for that matter, after rolling up in one of his exotic cars. Because you’re wondering … it’s a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr that’s retrofitted with a flamethrower exhaust. 🔥🔥🔥
At first, the cast can’t make out who’s behind the wheel … much less be able to tell it’s Barry because they’ve never seen him in that particular car — although, he’s known for his hot wheels.
Someone jokingly says it’s the Batmobile before Barry rolls down the window and reveals his pretty mug. He asked, “Did you miss me?!?” … before the cast unloaded a few jokes on him.
Everyone was glad to see him back in action, although a fellow bidder laments that on the day he’s searching for collectibles … the king of ’em comes out of retirement.
As we reported, Barry was seen across SoCal back in March filming again, but this time we have his pals’ reaction on video. TBH, Barry looked great, and that’s saying a lot considering the hell he went through.
After his nasty 2019 bike accident, Barry underwent multiple surgeries on his back and femur. The road to recovery was a long one, but now we can see how he’s muscled his way back.
The season 13 premiere kicks off November 2 with back-to-back episodes.
‘Mighty Ducks’ Star Shaun Weiss Celebrates Graduating from Drug Program
Shaun Weiss, the goalie in the ‘Mighty Ducks’ movies, got all nostalgic celebrating his graduation from a drug court program … chowing down at a diner that’s special to him.
Just days after getting his certificate of completion from the D.A.’s Office in Yuba County, CA … we’re told Shaun and his good friend, Drew Gallagher, hit up the super-popular Brent’s Deli in the San Fernando Valley.
Why there? Well, for starters the pastrami is to die for … but also, we’re told the deli’s the first place Shaun went when he was released from jail in August 2017 during one of the worst points in his life.
Shaun’s had several stints in jail after that, but in going back now, he wanted to reminisce on all the progress he’s made ever since.
His pal Drew practically rolled out a red carpet … showering Shaun with congratulatory balloons and a hearty meal of matzo ball soup.
TMZ broke the story … The D.A.’s Office was super complimentary of Shaun for staying on the straight and narrow — and that good behavior prompted prosecutors to dismiss the burglary case against him.
Besides getting sober, Shaun also got a new set of chompers.
So, what’s next for Goldberg … he plans to do speaking engagements to share his story in hopes of inspiring others who are trying to dig themselves out of their own rut.
‘Mighty Ducks’ Star Shaun Weiss Left Out of Reboot, But Hasn’t Lost Hope
Exclusive
Shaun Weiss will not be minding the net in the upcoming ‘Mighty Ducks’ reboot … but he’s still hoping to reprise his role as Goldberg the goalie later on down the line.
Sources close to the OG ‘Mighty Ducks’ star tell TMZ … Disney never officially reached out to Shaun about including him in the TV series reboot, even though he heard some rumblings from other actors that director Steven Brill had plans to bring him back.
Ultimately, Shaun never got the call … and our sources say he doubted he’d be welcomed into the fold anyway, due to his criminal history.
As we’ve told you … Shaun has struggled with drug addiction and was dealing with a slew of life-threatening issues, living on the streets at one point and being arrested for meth and burglary — but he’s since cleaned up his act and recently celebrated 1 year of sobriety.
Shooting has already wrapped on the 10-episode TV series, and it was recently revealed most of the stars of the original ‘Mighty Ducks’ returned for a reunion episode.
We’re told Shaun is holding out hope Disney will eventually reach out if the show gets picked up for another season. Fact is, Shaun’s character was one of the most popular in the OG movies.
Our sources say Shaun got really emotional when he saw the trailer for the new ‘Mighty Ducks’ series. We’re told it gave him goosebumps and he thought it looked amazing.
Sounds like Shaun’s staying ready in case Disney calls … he’s gained all his weight back and looks like Goldberg again, and we’re told he’s been working on scripts.
Ex-NY Times editor Bari Weiss bashes former paper over ‘press release’ praising Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter
Former New York Times opinion columnist and editor Bari Weiss mocked her former employer on Thursday, saying the Gray Lady published a “press release” about Vice President Kamala Harris’s stepdaughter.
Weiss seemed to feel the paper lived up to its reputation that it favors liberals when it published a story praising Harris’ stepdaughter for receiving a modeling contract
The piece headlined, “Ella Emhoff Gets a Major Modeling Contract,” called her a “breakout star” of the inauguration, The Daily Wire flagged.
LOS ANGELES TIMES MOCKED AFTER DEDICATING NEW BEAT TO CELEBRATING KAMALA HARRIS: ‘BLATANT HAGIOGRAPHY’
“One week after the Miu Miu coat she wore at President Biden’s swearing in went viral, Ella Emhoff, the 21-year-old stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, became the newest face at IMG Models, one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies,” Times reporters Vanessa Friedman and Jessica Testa wrote
The report featured the president of IMG Models fawning over Emhoff, promoted everything from her Instagram account to her tattoos, and claimed that the fashion world is embracing the Biden administration’s “focus on diversity and empathy” after four “antagonistic” years of dealing with the Trump administration.
LOS ANGELES TIMES MOCKED AFTER DEDICATING NEW BEAT TO CELEBRATING KAMALA HARRIS: ‘BLATANT HAGIOGRAPHY’
“Emhoff throws a crocheted grenade at the image of typical D.C. political offspring, with a style that could be termed Wes Anderson chic. In her selfies, she doesn’t wear much makeup and doesn’t carefully blow-dry her naturally curly hair. She shows off her armpit hair and cartoonish tattoos, which include eggs and bacon in the shape of a smiley face and a cow,” the Times reported.
Weiss took notice of the glowing piece and mocked it on Twitter.
“A modeling contract (!!) “speaks to the fashion world’s growing embrace of the Biden administration, with its focus on diversity and empathy, after four antagonistic years with the Trump administration,” Weiss wrote. “Please enjoy this press release!”
Weiss published a scathing resignation letter in July that she sent to Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger on her personal website. She said she was was bullied by colleagues for her heterodox views in an “illiberal environment.”
She added she didn’t understand how toxic behavior is allowed inside the newsroom and “showing up for work as a centrist at an American newspaper should not require bravery.”
Weiss wasn’t the only person to criticize the Times’ article, with others like The Atlantic’s Conor Friedersdorf noting the Times made no mention of Emhoff likely getting the deal because of her famous stepmother.
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‘Mighty Ducks’ Star Shaun Weiss Celebrates 1 Year of Sobriety
Exclusive
Shaun Weiss — famous for playing Goldberg in “The Mighty Ducks” — is damn near unrecognizable again, but in a great way … and that’s because he’s now 1-year sober.
His friend, Drew Gallagher, tells TMZ … Shaun officially hit the milestone yesterday. He says Shaun chose to delay his Christmas as part of the celebration … waiting to open presents on the day he celebrated his sobriety.
There’s more good news … remember the full dental sponsorship he got back in September to address his need for new teeth? Well, his permanent pearly whites — top and bottom — are almost done. He’s wearing temporary dentures for now.
Shaun, who is still at a sober living house in Tarzana, CA, is getting ready for his next steps in life. We’re told he’s working on his comedy chops and doing some scriptwriting.
As we reported … Shaun lived on the streets, suffering from methamphetamine addiction, and ran into trouble with the law before checking into a sober living facility changed his life. 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽