Twitter updates rules on banned content, abusive behaviour

Twitter has clarified its rules on what it considers to be abusive behaviour and hateful content following criticism it was not doing enough to prevent the Islamic State’s use of the site for recruiting.

In a blog post published Wednesday, Twitter’s director of trust and safety, Megan Cristina, said the updated rules contain more specific language emphasizing that users are not to harass, intimidate, or use fear to “silence another user’s voice.”

“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,” Cristina wrote.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "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," Cristina wrote.

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other social media companies have all come under fire in the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks; however, all note they have policies in place to block or remove posts that glorify violence and terrorism.

READ MORE: Social media, the new megaphone for violent perpetrators

In early December, Facebook was forced to defend its policy on terrorism in response to a Change.org petition accusing the social network of not doing enough to shut down terrorism-related accounts.

Twitter’s update did not specifically discuss terrorism or terror-related accounts in its update.

“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,” reads Twitter’s terms of use.

Previously, the rules only specified that threatening or promoting “violence against others” was prohibited.

“Keeping users safe requires a comprehensive and balanced approach where everyone plays a role. We will continue to build on these initiatives to empower our users and ensure that Twitter remains a platform for people to express themselves,” read the blog post.