Twitter announced Tuesday a new policy to combat “dehumanizing language,” as it continues searching for ways to make its platform more hospitable.
Users will not be allowed to “dehumanize anyone” based on their background because “this speech can lead to offline harm,” the company said in a blog post. If you’re wondering at this point what Twitter’s definition of “dehumanizing language” is, the company broke it down into two categories: when users are “denied of human qualities” or “denied of human nature.” Twitter gave examples of comparing users to animals or “reducing groups to their genitalia.”
Twitter said allowing these insults can be a driving force behind “normalizing serious violence,” and pointed to a few scholars to bolster its stance. Before Twitter’s new policy goes into effect on Oct. 9, users will be able to submit their thoughts on the rules and if they can be improved. The questionnaire is at the bottom of the company’s blog post.
Tuesday’s announcement expands on Twitter’s established rules against “hateful conduct,” which bars users from attacking others for their racial, religious, or sexual makeup. The company said the “dehumanizing” policy is part of its 2018 mission to improve the “health of the public conversation” on its platform — something CEO Jack Dorsey reiterated to Congress a few weeks ago. Some measures have already been adopted, like hiding mean tweets at the bottom of reply threads.
The update comes as Twitter has recently been championed and criticized for its rules enforcement, after digital conspiracy theorist was permanently suspended for violating its “abusive behavior” policy earlier this month.
10 Most Shocking Russian Troll Posts on Facebook and Instagram, From Hillary Clinton to Police Brutality (Photos)
The U.S. House Intelligence Committee on Thursday released more than 3,500 advertisements and posts spread by Russian trolls before and after the 2016 U.S. election. Below is a look at 10 of the most shocking examples that stood out from Congress's reveal.
House Intelligence Committee
Many posts pushed the narrative that Hillary Clinton would confiscate guns if she were elected President.
House Intelligence Committee
This graphic meme painted cops as KKK members attacking a young black child.
House Intelligence Committee
Only "sissies" and other undesirables wouldn't support Donald Trump, many of the memes said.
House Intelligence Committee
President Obama was a "pawn" and "traitor" in the hands of "Arabian Sheikhs," said one 2016 ad.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Black Matters US" page touched on hot button issues like police shootings.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Army of Jesus" page shared a bible verse, along with this meme.
House Intelligence Committee
Russian trolls also used Instagram to spread sponsored political memes.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Blacktivist" page routinely shared memes on Colin Kaepernick and other football players kneeling during the national anthem.
House Intelligence Committee
"Heart of Texas" routinely posted on "Killary Rotten Clinton," and threatened to secede from the union if she won the election.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Being Patriotic" page labeled ex-cons as "Obama voters."
House Intelligence Committee
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Congress just released 3,500 posts touching on a myriad of topics
The U.S. House Intelligence Committee on Thursday released more than 3,500 advertisements and posts spread by Russian trolls before and after the 2016 U.S. election. Below is a look at 10 of the most shocking examples that stood out from Congress's reveal.