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Twitter is tightening its rules around online sexual harassment

The social media company is cracking down on non-consensual upskirt shots and letting the crowd police abuse, but some think the policies are inconsistent
McGowan
Twitter controversially suspended Rose McGowan’s account
Jeff Vespa/Getty

RULES around online sexual harassment on Twitter are being tightened. Stronger sanctions await those who violate the terms, including bans for posting non-consensual nudity, such as ā€œupskirt imagery, creep shots and hidden camera contentā€.

The social media company will also allow users who spot abuse to report it – a step forward from previously only allowing the target of abuse to do so. In addition, Twitter plans to include hate symbols as part of its definition of ā€œsensitive mediaā€, which it provides warnings about.

Since 2016, Twitter has shifted from allowing almost complete free speech to setting up a council that tries to curtail the worst offenders. But many have been unhappy with the results as Twitter is still populated by a small but unsavoury blend of neo-Nazis, Islamic State recruiters and propaganda-spreading bots.

Twitter’s policies were also recently criticised when the firm suspended actor Rose McGowan’s account. McGowan was speaking out – albeit profanely – about producer Harvey Weinstein, who is facing numerous allegations of harassment and sexual assault over the past three decades, which he denies.

This article appeared in print under the headline ā€œTwitter war on hateā€

Topics: Law / Social media