By Jim Finkle and Dustin Volz
Reuters
December 29, 2015
By Jim Finkle and Dustin Volz
(Reuters) – Twitter Inc has clarified its definition of abusive behaviour that will prompt it to delete accounts, banning “hateful conduct” that promotes violence against specific groups.
The social media company disclosed the changes on Tuesday in a blog post, following rising criticism it was not doing enough to thwart Islamic State’s use of the site for 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.
The new rules do not mention Islamic State or any other group by name.
“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,” according to the revised rules. (https://bit.ly/1MFueNn)
The company previously used a more generic warning that banned users from threatening or promoting “violence against others.”
Good luck enforcing this. It can’t even be controlled on this microblog.
The new rule will be twisted into a cudgel to be used against those who dare to slander the faux-prophet Mohhammed. Western Society cannot be permitted the tools it needs to defend itself.