

# Osama bin Laden's "Letter to America" Goes Viral on TikTok, Sparks Controversy and Censorship

In a surprising turn of events, Osama bin Laden's 2002 "Letter to America" has gone viral on the social media platform TikTok, leading to its removal from The Guardian's website and causing a stir among lawmakers and the public (1,2,3,4,5,6).

The letter, which was published on The Guardian's website since 2002, was deleted due to a sudden increase in traffic (1,3). The Guardian stated that the letter was being shared on social media without full context and directed readers to the original news article that contextualized it (1,3).

In the letter, bin Laden justified al-Qaeda's attacks against the U.S., claiming that the U.S. had attacked them and Palestine (1,2). He criticized the creation and continuation of Israel, calling it a crime that must be erased, and accused the U.S. of supporting Israel (1,2,3,4,5,6). Bin Laden also made antisemitic remarks, claiming that Jews control American policies, media, and economy (1,2,3,4,5,6).

The letter gained attention on TikTok, where some young people embraced pro-Palestinian talking points and expressed a change in their views (1,2,3,4,5,6). A TikTok spokesperson stated that content promoting the letter violated their rules on supporting terrorism and they were actively removing it (1,3).

> "Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism," a TikTok spokesperson said (3).

However, the removal of the letter from The Guardian's website and TikTok's active censorship has sparked controversy. Critics argue that it is not dangerous to read the letter and that censorship is more concerning (3). Some individuals, including journalists and political scientists, criticized The Guardian for censoring the letter instead of engaging in debate or presenting counterarguments (3).

> "The Guardian's decision to delete bin Laden's letter is a chilling reminder of the power of censorship," said journalist Michael Tracey (3).

On the other hand, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle criticized TikTok for promoting "terrorist propaganda" (4). They argue that TikTok spreads anti-Israel content and acts as a surveillance tool for the Chinese Communist Party (4).

> "TikTok must be banned or sold to an American company," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (4).

The controversy surrounding the viral spread of bin Laden's letter highlights the ongoing debate about the role of social media platforms in moderating content and the fine line between free speech and promoting harmful ideologies. As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the power and influence of social media in shaping public opinion and discourse.

<h1>Osama bin Laden's "Letter to America" Goes Viral on TikTok, Sparks Controversy and Censorship</h1>
In a surprising turn of events, Osama bin Laden's 2002 "Letter to America" has gone viral on the social media platform TikTok, leading to its removal from The Guardian's website and causing a stir among lawmakers and the public (1,2,3,4,5,6).
The letter, which was published on The Guardian's website since 2002, was deleted due to a sudden increase in traffic (1,3). The Guardian stated that the letter was being shared on social media without full context and directed readers to the original news article that contextualized it (1,3).
In the letter, bin Laden justified al-Qaeda's attacks against the U.S., claiming that the U.S. had attacked them and Palestine (1,2). He criticized the creation and continuation of Israel, calling it a crime that must be erased, and accused the U.S. of supporting Israel (1,2,3,4,5,6). Bin Laden also made antisemitic remarks, claiming that Jews control American policies, media, and economy (1,2,3,4,5,6).
The letter gained attention on TikTok, where some young people embraced pro-Palestinian talking points and expressed a change in their views (1,2,3,4,5,6). A TikTok spokesperson stated that content promoting the letter violated their rules on supporting terrorism and they were actively removing it (1,3).
<blockquote>
"Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism," a TikTok spokesperson said (3).
</blockquote>
However, the removal of the letter from The Guardian's website and TikTok's active censorship has sparked controversy. Critics argue that it is not dangerous to read the letter and that censorship is more concerning (3). Some individuals, including journalists and political scientists, criticized The Guardian for censoring the letter instead of engaging in debate or presenting counterarguments (3).
<blockquote>
"The Guardian's decision to delete bin Laden's letter is a chilling reminder of the power of censorship," said journalist Michael Tracey (3).
</blockquote>
On the other hand, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle criticized TikTok for promoting "terrorist propaganda" (4). They argue that TikTok spreads anti-Israel content and acts as a surveillance tool for the Chinese Communist Party (4).
<blockquote>
"TikTok must be banned or sold to an American company," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (4).
</blockquote>
The controversy surrounding the viral spread of bin Laden's letter highlights the ongoing debate about the role of social media platforms in moderating content and the fine line between free speech and promoting harmful ideologies. As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the power and influence of social media in shaping public opinion and discourse.

The Guardian

TikTok ‘aggressively’ taking down videos promoting Bin Laden letter

Rolling Stone

Osama bin Laden&#039;s &#039;Letter to America&#039; Goes Viral 21 Years Later — on TikTok

Newsweek

Navy SEAL Who Killed Osama Bin Laden Speaks Out About TikTok Praise

Deleted Osama bin Laden Letter Sparks Censorship Accusations

New York Post

TikTok shredded as influencers promote Osama bin Laden’s ‘terrorist propaganda’ tirade dubbed ‘Letter to America’ after 9/11 attacks

Fox News

The Guardian removes Osama bin Laden's ‘Letter to America’ after TikTok influencers unearth pro-terror screed

Osama bin Laden

TikTok

Social Media

Terrorism

Censorship

Osama bin Laden's 2002 "Letter to America" goes viral on TikTok, leading to its removal from The Guardian's website and causing a stir among lawmakers and the public.

Osama bin Laden's "Letter to America" Goes Viral on TikTok, Sparks Controversy and Censorship

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