Twitter's stricter abuse rules go into effect today
- Kia Kokalitcheva, author of Axios Pro Rata
Twitter app on an iPhone screen. Photo: Richard Drew / AP
Why it matters: The new rules, which Twitter says are stricter and more comprehensive, were added to cover areas the social media company has historically struggled to manage, such as Twitter accounts affiliated with organizations that promote hate and violence, or those accounts glorifying a violent act or figure. This has been a growing issue this year as individuals and groups identifying with white supremacy have become more active and visible on Twitter.
Yes, but: Twitter's real test will be in how it enforces these. The company has long had rules against certain types of conduct — yet users complained for years that accounts reported as clearly violating those rules were ultimately allowed to remain, or that Twitter responded too slowly.