Twitter updates its rules to combat abuse on the platform
Twitter has announced an updated rules page in its latest attempt to stem abuse on the platform. Twitter’s effort to crack down on abuse has been a highlight of its year, in February Dick Costolo – the then CEO – admitted Twitter has a problem with abuse.
In the newly updated rules it states that any of the following action may result in a temporary or permanent suspension:
- Violent threats (direct or indirect)
- Harassment
- Hateful conduct
- Multiple account abuse
- Publishing of private information
- Impersonation
Twitter also addresses self-harm, if a user shows signs that they’re considering suicide or self harm then Twitter will take a number of steps to assist the user by reaching out to them or providing resources such as contact details of Twitter’s mental health partners.
Since Costolo’s admission, Twitter has already implemented some measures to fight abuse. They have updated the tools used for blocking, muting and reporting abusive behaviour. In addition, it has also upped its efforts to actually enforce the new policy that have been set out.
Some of the enforcement measures Twitter now takes to stem the abusive behaviours are:
- Account locking for a period of time
- Phone and email verification
- Explenation of rules broken by offending user
- The offending user also has to delete their offending tweets themselves so they know what they did wrong
