Twitter updates policy on abusive behavior
Twitter introduced an update Tuesday to its policy regarding abuse, offering more detail on what type of tweets and comments are considered misconduct.
The updated rules do not appear to offer major changes compared to its earlier policy, but seems to add more specifics on what types of actions can result in suspended accounts.
The new policy focuses more on "hateful conduct," noting accounts cannot promote violence or direct threats against any one based on race, gender, or other categories. "The updated language emphasizes that Twitter will not tolerate behavior intended to harass, intimidate, or use fear to silence another user’s voice," writes Twitter's Megan Cristina explaining the policy changes.
Rules also address users who discuss suicide or self-harm on Twitter. According to the policy, when reports of a person threatening self-harm are received, Twitter "may take a number of steps to assist them, such as reaching out to that person expressing our concern and the concern of other users on Twitter or providing resources such as contact information for our mental health partners."
The policy update is among a series of changes Twitter has implemented to turn around its poor reputation of handling complaints of abuse, prompting former CEO Dick Costolo to admit in February he was "ashamed" of how Twitter tackles abuse.
Last year, Twitter said it would review harassment policies after the daughter of deceased actor Robin Williams said abusive messages sent following her father's death drove her off the service.
Late last year, Twitter added a series of new tools for blocking users, as well as expanded options for reporting abuse and harassment, including allowing users who aren't direct targets of abuse to report incidents.
Making Twitter feel like a hospitable environment is important to Jack Dorsey, the company co-founder who returned as CEO permanently in October. The social network has struggled in recent quarters to show significant growth in its monthly active user base. During the third quarter, Twitter boasted 320 million monthly active users, below Wall Street forecasts.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.