A Scottish website promoting independence caused a minor Twitter storm this week after appropriating the names and photographs of its Twitter followers in a political campaign on its website.
The Yes Scotland campaign listed twitterers who followed the site’s account as supporters, including their Twitter handles and profile pictures in a section on the Yes Scotland campaign website.
Suddenly a great many people who opposed independence were being told they actually supported it.
The offending section displayed Twitter followers’ personal details along with the phrasing “Powered by people o’ independent mind, like you.”
Responding to that line in particular, Twitter user Caron Lindsay wrote: “I’m sure as hell not powering that website, though. It implies support.”
Lindsay describes herself on Twitter as a Liberal Democrat and “pro UK.” That’s the background of someone who wouldn’t normally support the Yes Scotland campaign.
Indeed, following an account on Twitter, posting a retweet, or Liking a page on Facebook does not necessarily denote support for a cause. People also subscribe because they want information.
Yes Scotland’s privacy policy gives no hint of its appropriation scheme. Its Twitter profile does post a warning, however: “By following this Twitter account, your profile picture may display to your friends and followers on yesScotland.net”
The organization claimed that only Twitter followers who logged in to the site and gave permission were specifically featured as “supporters” in the controversial section.
Critics said the campaign was not completely clear on what it intended to do with their Twitter information.
“This system doesn’t just deceive – it is designed to deceive,” said Tom Harris, a Labour Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) who was listed on the site under the original wording, according to the Herald. “My name, photograph and supposed endorsement must be removed from this website immediately.”
Other politicians agreed.
“To give the impression of having support from people who are merely mentioning the referendum on Twitter is deeply misleading and will infuriate people,” said Richard Baker, a Labour MSP for North East Scotland.
The Yes Scotland campaign was launched last week with the aim of getting a million Scots to pledge their support for independence. A referendum on the matter is tentatively scheduled for fall 2014.
Photo by Moyan_Brenn