Posts are not actually deleted, only marked as deleted – archive export still includes them

[giffeler]

First of all, thank you for your work on this project.

However, I would like to raise a critical point regarding the concept of deletion as implemented here: Posts are not actually deleted from Twitter/X servers. They are merely marked as deleted in the UI and removed from the visible timeline via the API.

A technically and legally relevant distinction is that deleted tweets still appear in a full archive export obtained via the official X data export function. This means:

• Tweets “deleted” using this tool are not removed from the data Twitter/X retains about the user.
• Content with legal or criminal relevance remains retrievable, even after “deletion.”
• Users seeking actual erasure of content (for privacy, legal compliance, etc.) may be misled by the term “delete.”

I strongly recommend updating the documentation and UI wording to reflect this behavior. Terms like “remove from timeline” or “mark as deleted” would be more accurate than “delete,” unless the tool can also purge tweets from the user’s archive (which, to my knowledge, is not possible via public APIs).

Clarifying this would help avoid false expectations and promote responsible usage of the tool.

[cscetbon]

Is there another way then @giffeler to actually delete them ?

[giffeler]

It’s a good question — deleting posts on Twitter/X is not always as straightforward as it seems. From a user perspective, you can delete a post directly through the platform’s interface. However, it’s worth noting that deletion on the front end doesn’t always mean immediate or complete erasure from all backend systems, caches, or third-party archives.

From a European data protection standpoint (e.g. under the GDPR), there’s a principle known as purpose limitation: data must only be stored as long as the original purpose for its collection remains valid. If that purpose ceases to exist — for instance, if a user deletes a tweet — the service provider is generally obliged to erase the data, unless other legal grounds justify continued retention.

That said, platforms like X are also under legal obligations to preserve data in certain cases — for example, to comply with law enforcement investigations or court orders. This creates a tension between user rights (like erasure) and legitimate interests of public authorities. X, like many platforms, operates in this legal grey zone and must balance these competing demands.

Please note: this is not legal advice, but a personal assessment of technical and regulatory considerations.