X Corp issues cease-and-desist to open-source project Nitter over alleged API scraping
The legal move marks a shift from technical restrictions to statutory claims, citing Texas state and federal laws in its demand for a permanent takedown.
X Corp has escalated its campaign against the open-source project Nitter by issuing cease-and-desist letters demanding the permanent removal of its instances and code repository. The legal action, which cites the Texas Harmful Access by Computer Act and the Lanham Act, represents a significant shift from previous technical measures used to restrict the service.
Nitter, which has operated for seven years, allowed users to view X posts without logging in by stripping out ads, tracking cookies, and JavaScript. The service also powers third-party sites such as XCancel, providing a clutter-free alternative to the official app.
The letters, sent on 24 August 2026, allege that Nitter engaged in the "unlawful use and circumvention" of X’s API. X Corp claims to have evidence that Nitter scraped data and accessed accounts and session tokens in violation of the platform's rules.
Nitter’s creator, a developer known as Zedeus, confirmed that other instances received similar letters. In a statement on the project’s website, Zedeus noted that the flagship instance, nitter.net, is currently offline and development has paused while legal advice is sought.
The deadline for compliance was set for 5 p.m. EST on 25 August 2026. This follows a 2024 crackdown where X introduced new API restrictions that temporarily forced Nitter’s flagship instance offline, requiring hosts to connect instances to real X accounts.
The move aligns with a broader trend among major social networks, including Meta, to pursue scrapers and restrict third-party readers. By compelling users to log in, these platforms aim to capture data and display personalised ads, a development that may force casual users to create accounts to maintain access.
