Social media site redefines rules on banned content, abusive behavior

folarin okunola

December 31, 2015 10:37 PM

The microblogging platform made the changes known in a blog post, following heated criticism of the site saying the platform was not doing enough to stop the Islamic State

Twitter Co-founder and newly announced CEO Jack Dorsey

According to various media reports, Twitter Inc. has redefined the kind of abusive behavior on its site that can result in user accounts getting deleted and banning “hateful conduct” that encourages violence against specific groups.

The microblogging platform made the changes known in a blog post, following heated criticism of the site saying the platform was not doing enough to stop the Islamic State from using it in its propaganda and recruitment.

"As always, we embrace and encourage diverse opinions and beliefs, but we will continue to take action on accounts that cross the line into abuse,"Megan Cristina, director of Trust and Safety, said in the blog, according to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek.

"You may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability or disease," the new rules read. It does not mention Islamic State or any other group by name throughout.

Previously, the site used a more generic warning that banned users from threatening or promoting ‘’violence against others.”

folarin okunola