Twitter has introduced new measures make the platform “a safer place” by combating perceived hate speech and abuse, claiming “we won’t tolerate it”.
Today, social media giant Twitter released a statement updating its users on the latest developments about the new safety measures. It introduced three new measures: “stopping the creation of new abusive accounts, bringing forward safer search results, and collapsing potentially abusive or low-quality Tweets.”
“Making Twitter a safer place is our primary focus. We stand for freedom of expression and people being able to see all sides of any topic,” the statement read, adding, however, “That’s put in jeopardy when abuse and harassment stifle and silence those voices. We won’t tolerate it and we’re launching new efforts to stop it.
The company pledged to suppress “potentially abusive or low-quality Tweets” to make sure users see only the most “relevant conversations” in their replies. Those replies, however, will still be accessible for those seeking them.
Twitter is also working on a “safe search” function that removes Tweets containing “potentially sensitive content”. Again, these kind of Tweets will still be discoverable, but only if you wish to find it.
Lastly, the statement pledges to step up its game in identifying and stopping people, who have been permanently suspended, from creating new accounts. The company claims it will focus more on “some of the most prevalent and damaging forms of behavior,” especially accounts that abuse and harass others.
It remains unclear what Twitter means by “potentially abusive” or “low quality” Tweets and “potentially sensitive content.”
The social media network has been accused in the past of “shadowbanning”—an alleged practice where a person isn’t officially suspended, yet his Tweets aren’t always showing up for others, thus reducing the reach.
