Twitter Bans Users From Sharing ‘Private’ Images, Videos Without Consent
Image via Sattalat Phukkum / Shutterstock.com
In a change to its private information policy, Twitter has announced it will be banning users from sharing images or videos of private individuals without their consent, in a bid to limit any privacy violations against a person.
“Beginning today, we will not allow the sharing of private media, such as images or videos of private individuals, without their consent. Publishing people’s private info is also prohibited under the policy, as is threatening or incentivizing others to do so,” the platform tweeted.
In a followup blog post by the Twitter Safety Team, the social media site noted that the spread of private information online “can have a disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities,” putting them at risk of harm.
From now on, should a user spot an image or video of themselves that violates the policy, they can contact Twitter to remove the media from its platform.
According to Engadget, users found to have perpetuated such behavior will face consequences, such as having the visibility of their tweets downranked in replies and search results. Frequent flouters may also face suspension.
At the moment, the policy doesn’t extend to public figures or if the media is deemed to be “shared in the public interest or add value to public discourse.” Meaning, if a private citizen shares something newsworthy, it will be allowed to remain online.
However, should the post’s motive be clearly “to harass, intimidate or use fear to silence” these individuals, the site could act to get the media removed. Rules against abusive speech and non-consensual nudity (e.g. revenge porn) will still apply.
The new policy will be enacted starting today, as one of Twitter’s first changes under new CEO Parag Agrawal.
Beginning today, we will not allow the sharing of private media, such as images or videos of private individuals without their consent. Publishing people's private info is also prohibited under the policy, as is threatening or incentivizing others to do so.https://t.co/7EXvXdwegG
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) November 30, 2021
[via Engadget, cover image via Sattalat Phukkum / Shutterstock.com]
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