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Nitter project continues after legal advice
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Nitter project will continue after legal advice. Users of the privacy-focused Twitter front-end get a reprieve.
Background
Nitter is a free, open-source alternative Twitter front-end that prioritizes privacy by preventing tracking and requiring no JavaScript. In late August 2026, X Corp. sent cease-and-desist letters to Nitter and XCancel, citing violations of state and federal laws, leading both services to temporarily shut down. The developers sought legal advice, and now Nitter has announced it will continue, though details remain sparse.
How it unfolded
- Aug 24, 2026XCancel received a cease-and-desist letter from X Corp. and stopped service.
- Aug 25, 2026Nitter received a similar letter, with a deadline to shut down by 5 p.m. EST.
- Sep 1, 2026Techdirt reported that Nitter and XCancel were offline, with developers seeking legal advice.
- recentlyNitter announced it will continue following legal advice, but specifics are not disclosed.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- X Corp. lawyers stated the services violate laws including the Texas Harmful Access by Computer Act and the Lanham Act.
- Support
- Nitter's developer expressed gratitude to users and contributors over the past seven years, indicating community support.
Still unverified
The exact legal advice received and the specific terms under which Nitter will continue are not disclosed.