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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Roisin Cullen

Fingal Libraries' Twitter back online after investigation into 'strange' activity

The Fingal Libraries account is back on Twitter after concerns were raised over it following transphobic accounts.

An investigation into whether or not the account was hacked was conducted. The decision to reinstate the account was made after no evidence of external interference was found.

The library had also blocked accounts who had asked why they were following anti-trans accounts. Cllrs Daniel Whooley and Cllr Karen Power brought attention to the "concerning" behaviour after friends contacted them about it.

Read more: Fingal libraries' Twitter account suspended after concerns raised over following transphobic accounts

Author of the Harry Potter franchise, J.K. Rowling also weighed in on the Fingal County Council matter. She tweeted: "The library was also following my account. Am I included in your blanket statement?"

Now that the account is back up and running, the Council is taking steps to try and get it verified with a blue tick as quickly possible. The team will also be undertaking a review on the policy and procedures for following other accounts. They are not following any accounts while this review is taking place.

The council said they would not be making any comment on the content associated with the suspension of the account. They said: "Once there is a policy adopted, we will then begin to rebuild in line with those guidelines. This will start in the coming days.

"No comment will be made on the content, statements made, or positions held in the matter associated with the suspension of the account. Having been following protagonists on both sides of the matter we are satisfied that no one position has been supported.

"All of our libraries are well-regarded public facilities that operate as open, inclusive, safe, apolitical and neutral democratic spaces where all citizens, regardless of their upbringing or views, are welcome. Similarly, Fingal County Council as a state body and an employer of choice vigorously supports diversity and inclusion.

"Please be assured that the decision to temporarily suspend the Libraries Twitter account was not taken lightly, particularly as it provides a great deal of information on what is taking place across our network. We hope that as we move forward with the account, it will continue to receive positive support and interactions as it had done previously."

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