Katie Hopkins suspended from Twitter for violating social network's anti-hate policy

Amy West
Updated
Katie Hopkins outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where Sergeant Alexander Blackman, who is serving life after being found guilty of murdering an injured Afghan fighter faces a wait until next week to see if he will be freed pending a new challenge against his conviction. (Photo by Philip Toscano/PA Images via Getty Images)
Katie Hopkins' Twitter account has been suspended (PA via Getty)

Katie Hopkins has been suspended from Twitter for violating the social network’s anti-hate policy.

The outspoken media personality, whose follower count has been growing since US president Donald Trump started sharing of her tweets recently, has been temporarily locked out of her account for using the public platform to spew harmful comments based on race, religion, nationality and gender identity.

Twitter is expected to carry out a “full review” of her usage in the near future.

Read more: Donald Trump shares Katie Hopkins tweets defending 'go back' comments

Not only is she banned from posting anything new, but most of her existing tweets have been hidden. The only one that is still visible is a retweet from producer Nitin Sawhney calling out Hopkins’ “racial hatred” against grime artist Stormzy.

Countdown’s Rachel Riley and other campaigners on Wednesday met Twitter officials to urge the company to delete Hopkins’ account. The meeting was organised by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) campaign group.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Rachel Riley applauds fans prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Rachel Riley and other campaigners accused the media personality of inciting hate when they met with site representatives earlier this week (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“We are pleased that Twitter has recognised that the identity hate-based actor, Katie Hopkins violated their hateful conduct policy and have taken preliminary action following productive discussions with Twitter's UK office,” Imran Ahmed, CEO of the CCDH, said in a statement. “They should now remove her from their platform.

"There is a long road ahead before social media is made safe for dialogue, information exchange and the formation and maintenance of relationships. The fact parents are so hesitant and fearful of allowing children onto social media platforms shows how toxic many of these environments have become.

"We believe social media can empower the world to be even better, but handing megaphones to hate actors is irresponsible and dangerous.”

Read more: Tory activist told to 'go to a white country' rejects Katie Hopkins' support

Taking to Twitter herself, Riley wrote that she’s “pleased to see that action appears to have been taken,” while noting that she had called for George Galloway’s account – which is currently still active – to be reviewed, too.

“This is what happens when they have the #WillToAct,” she added.

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