Nitter, the beloved open source project that allowed users to read X posts without logging in or opening the app, has been hit with a cease-and-desist order from X. The move comes after earlier attempts to shut Nitter down via technical means.
The service powers several other sites too, like XCancel, which offer similar functionality. Despite X’s attempts to stifle it, development picked back up and instances came online again. This time, however, legal action is the weapon of choice: a cease-and-desist letter received by Nitter’s creator on August 24 now has them seeking legal advice.
The letter accuses Nitter of 'unlawful use and circumvention' of X's API, alleging scraping and violations of rules. The lawsuit cites various state and federal laws and gives Nitter until August 25 to comply or face permanent shutdown. Other social networks like Meta have taken similar actions against scrapers.
The impact on users who relied on Nitter is clear: either give up the access or join X as a logged-in user, subjected to tracking and ads. For now, lurkers will be left in the dark—or at least without their beloved Nitter.
