Court Orders X to Reinstate Cryptocurrency Analyst’s Account

A cryptocurrency analyst, Eduoardo Jardel Furlan Farina, has received a temporary order from the High Court in Ireland mandating that X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, reinstate his suspended account. The suspension, initiated on July 17, 2023, has reportedly cost Mr. Farina up to US$20,000 (€17,055) each month due to lost opportunities and revenue from commercial partnerships.

Mr. Farina, who has amassed a following of 170,000 on X, claims that his account was mistakenly identified as an impersonator, leading to its suspension. His barrister, Michael O’Doherty, explained that the situation is exacerbated by the existence of approximately 400 impersonation accounts that have emerged in response to Mr. Farina’s influence. Many of these accounts are allegedly set up with malicious intent, potentially defrauding Mr. Farina’s followers.

According to court proceedings, Mr. Farina is concerned that the proliferation of impersonation accounts may mislead his followers, further damaging his reputation. Mr. O’Doherty characterized the response from X as “egregious,” noting that efforts to communicate with the platform have largely resulted in automated responses rather than human engagement.

Mr. Justice Max Barrett, after hearing the ex parte application, decided to grant interim injunctions that compel X to restore Mr. Farina’s account and to block the impersonation accounts. The case reflects a broader concern about the accountability of social media platforms in managing user accounts and protecting their interests.

In a supporting affidavit, Rory Knight, Mr. Farina’s solicitor, detailed the analyst’s history with the platform. He noted that Mr. Farina has been active on X since 2012 and has developed a significant presence, particularly related to the cryptocurrency XRP, which is utilized on the XRP Ledger. Mr. Farina’s account is notably the primary channel for his professional activities, including providing investment advice.

Despite having a presence on other platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which are still operational, Mr. Farina relies heavily on his X account for his business activities. The suspension not only halts his ability to engage with potential investors but also cuts off revenue streams from sponsored content and referrals to cryptocurrency-related websites.

Mr. Knight remarked that Mr. Farina is bound to X’s terms of service, which include compliance with various rules established by the platform. The suspension was based on an allegation of “ban evasion,” a rule that prohibits users from circumventing enforcement actions taken by X.

Upon the suspension, Mr. Farina attempted to appeal the decision but was met with automated replies indicating that the account would remain suspended. The lack of human oversight in handling his case has raised concerns about the platform’s customer service practices and its treatment of users.

The court’s ruling represents a significant moment in the ongoing discussions regarding the responsibilities of social media companies to their users. As Mr. Farina’s case unfolds, it highlights the potential financial consequences that can arise from account suspensions and the increasing importance of ensuring accountability in digital spaces.