The problem with banning hate speech is that it is relative. Next up, books will be banned because they incite alternate opinions.

There's a difference between mere 'alternate opinions' and hateful, prejudiced opinions.

It's seems disingenuous for you to conflate them.

The line between the two varies, and is subject to the whims of whoever controls the platform.

The even bigger problem is we're assuming they were banned for "hate" speech because Twitter hasn't even said why yet. If they took down tweets that they felt were hate speech and communicated to the speaker and the community I would be more okay with it. A silent ban of dozens of accounts is their right as a business but I'll still say it's a stupid decision.

Bear in mind that some people consider this site to be sexist and racist - check out the #hnwatch hashtag on Twitter. Everyone commenting here "good", consider that as a member of HN, others tar you with the same brush. Still so happy?

> check out the #hnwatch hashtag on Twitter

I didn't know that hashtag and was not surprised to see that one of its regular users is someone who likes to use autism as a metaphor for men working in tech.

Mind sharing an example/hypothetical of it being relative?

Yeah... probably not.

You're right... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_books_banned_by_govern...

There are plain facts about the world which are often considered "hate speech". FBI crime statistics, for example. They gotta be banned to maintain the narrative.

As long as it is applied consistently. Are they also banning those spewing hate for Trump or the police?

It is just like everyone who is rioting with slogans like 'not my President.' These same people were giving Trump a hard time when he said the election system was rigged and didn't enthusiastically say he would support the results of the election. The left is doing a good job reenforcing the exact image many people voted against. The elitist attitude of tolerance unless disagreed with.

EDIT

Thanks for the downvotes and further proving my point. I would never vote for Trump, but simply pointing out hypocrisy and double standards does get people upset.