It’s been a busy week at Twitter with new owner Elon Musk bringing changes, and then taking them back, as he tries to figure out new ways to control the social bird after promising to set it free.
Between lawsuits from axed employees and introducing new rules to Twitter, Musk has been tweeting daily as he continues to justify some of his moves.
“Please note that Twitter will do lots of dumb things in the coming months. We will keep what works & change what doesn’t,” tweeted Musk on Wednesday.
Based on his statements, it’s clear that rules will continue to change until the platform, or Musk, find a sweet spot to solve free speech on the internet (if this is possible).
“Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That’s our mission,” says Musk.
Read More: Twitter has officially cancelled its new ‘verification’ system (for now)
Contrary to reports of people migrating to alternatives amid the stormy week, Musk says usage on the platform continues to grow.
“Usage of Twitter continues to rise. One thing is for sure: it isn’t boring!” Musk said on Thursday this week. Earlier on the same day, Musk said Twitter usage was “at an all-time high” and he hoped the company’s servers would not melt.
He was pretty particular about the word “usage”. This is highly suggestive as there seemed to be more to complain about on the platform this week due to the back and forth on new rules. It still doesn’t mean there are more active users. It could simply mean the remaining folks are tweeting more.
“I love when people complain about Twitter … on Twitter,” tweeted Musk…on Twitter.
Read More: Why Elon Musk’s first week as Twitter owner has users flocking elsewhere
New rules, some shared by Musk on his account
Twitter’s latest list of rules is based on Safety, Privacy, Authenticity, and Third-party advertising in video content.
The new rules on parody accounts cames after dozens of verified Twitter users changes their handles and started impersonating the new owner. It seems he didn’t like it much.
Include “Parody” if you’re impersonating someone
“Going forward, accounts engaged in parody must include “parody” in their name, not just in bio. – Musk
Don’t trick people
“To be more precise accounts doing parody impersonations. Basically, tricking people is not ok.” – Musk
How times have changed pic.twitter.com/gCxUkZ4kZC
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022
Here are the other rules, as published on the platform’s website this week.
Safety
Violence: You may not threaten violence against an individual or a group of people. We also prohibit the glorification of violence.
Terrorism/violent extremism: You may not threaten or promote terrorism or violent extremism.
Child sexual exploitation: We have zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation on Twitter.
Abuse/harassment: You may not engage in the targeted harassment of someone, or incite other people to do so. This includes wishing or hoping that someone experiences physical harm.
Hateful conduct: You may not promote violence against, threaten, or harass other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or serious disease.
Perpetrators of violent attacks: We will remove any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, and may also remove Tweets disseminating manifestos or other content produced by perpetrators.
Suicide or self-harm: You may not promote or encourage suicide or self-harm.
Sensitive media, including graphic violence and adult content: You may not post media that is excessively gory or share violent or adult content within live video or in profile or header images. Media depicting sexual violence and/or assault is also not permitted.
Illegal or certain regulated goods or services: You may not use our service for any unlawful purpose or in furtherance of illegal activities. This includes selling, buying, or facilitating transactions in illegal goods or services, as well as certain types of regulated goods or services.
Read More: Twitter’s “system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark is bullshit”: Elon Musk
Privacy
Private information: You may not publish or post other people’s private information (such as home phone number and address) without their express authorization and permission. We also prohibit threatening to expose private information or incentivizing others to do so.
Non-consensual nudity: You may not post or share intimate photos or videos of someone that were produced or distributed without their consent.
Platform manipulation and spam: You may not use Twitter’s services in a manner intended to artificially amplify or suppress information or engage in behavior that manipulates or disrupts people’s experience on Twitter.
Civic Integrity: You may not use Twitter’s services for the purpose of manipulating or interfering in elections or other civic processes. This includes posting or sharing content that may suppress participation or mislead people about when, where, or how to participate in a civic process.
Misleading and Deceptive Identities: You may not impersonate individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others, nor use a fake identity in a manner that disrupts the experience of others on Twitter.
Synthetic and manipulated media: You may not deceptively share synthetic or manipulated media that are likely to cause harm. In addition, we may label Tweets containing synthetic and manipulated media to help people understand their authenticity and to provide additional context. Learn more.
Copyright and trademark: You may not violate others’ intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademark.
Read More: Twitter wants you to “Share Tweet instead” of screenshotting
Third-party advertising in video content
You may not submit, post, or display any video content on or through our services that includes third-party advertising, such as pre-roll video ads or sponsorship graphics, without our prior consent.
Twitter notes how these rules may be changed “from time to time in order to support our goal of promoting a healthy public conversation”.
Based on this week’s events, this could be at any time.
The platform also published a few things they can do to you if you break the rules. This includes having your account suspended.
