Twitter’s plan to charge for crucial tool prompts outcry

Members of a search and rescue team work on a collapsed structure after the earthquake in Antakya, southeastern Türkiye, on Sunday, Feb 12, 2023. Starting Monday, a crucial Twitter tool known as Application Developer Interface, used by software developers to comb the platform for calls for help from earthquake victims, may be accessible only by paying a US$100 monthly fee. — AP

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, thousands of volunteer software developers have been using a crucial Twitter tool to comb the platform for calls for help – including from people trapped in collapsed buildings – and connect people with rescue organisations.

They could lose access as soon as Monday unless they pay Twitter a monthly fee of at least US$100 (RM435) – prohibitive for many volunteers and nonprofits on shoestring budgets.