Twitter has recently announced a revision in policy related to Abusive Behavior and Hateful Conduct. The re-written rules seem positive against the previous stance it has taken regarding online harassments, including language that shows hateful conduct that is to degrade people on the basis of race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, gender individuality, age, disability or disease.
The policy is developed in the line of how previously twitter handled issues related to grievances to abuse. This move is especially evident in the light of pressure by US and similar governments following attacks in Paris and California to obliterate violence.
“We believe that protection from abuse and harassment is a vital part of empowering people to freely express themselves on Twitter.”
Expressed Twitter’s director for online Trust and Safety, Megan Cristina.
“Today, as part of our continued efforts to combat abuse, we are updating the Twitter Rules to clarify what we consider to be abusive behavior and hateful conduct. The updated language emphasizes that Twitter will not tolerate behavior intended to harass, intimidate, or use fear to silence another user’s voice.”
The new rules states that Twitter users:
- May not make threats of violence or promote violence, including threatening or promoting terrorism.
- May not incite or engage in the targeted abuse or harassment of others.
Lawmakers are emphasizing that legislation is also required social media operators to inform federal authorities of any sensed “terrorist activity”.
This is a genuine effort to stop reported harassments. The twitter will tell how the complaints will be gauged of individuals imposing self-harm, such as contacting them directly and seeking mental health help.