UPDATED: 19/12/22
Twitter Support has deleted the “Policy Changes” Tweet following backlash from many high-profile users, We have not yet had any additional confirmation if this means the policy has been binned.
Twitter users including MrBeast, had their say:
Twitter is now taking a firm stance against the promotion of other social media platforms – any accounts or posts containing promotional links and usernames from specified platforms will be removed without hesitation. Don’t miss this chance to make sure your content complies with these new regulations!
Twitter has experienced major alterations since Elon Musk’s acquisition, including an overhaul of the verification system and new subscription services. These modifications have been implemented in recent months and are sure to improve user experience with the platform.
On December 18, 2022, a major update was announced that is expected to drastically change how many users utilize the platform.
In a post shared on the Twitter Support account, it was announced that a new policy change is going into effect. The change prohibits using Twitter accounts or posts to promote other social media platforms. The announcement reads, “Specifically, we will remove accounts created solely for the purpose of promoting other social platforms and content that contains links or usernames for the following platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr, and Post.”
QUOTE FROM TWITTER: “Specifically, we will remove accounts created solely for the purpose of promoting other social platforms and content that contains links or usernames for the following platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr and Post.”
Social Media platforms included in Twitter Policy Change
Platforms that are a part of the new policy update include Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr, Post, Linktr.ee, and Ink.bio.
A number of social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Parler, and Gab are not included in the above list.
What Twitter considers a violation of the new policy
This policy change will affect both accounts and posts. As provided in the breakdown of the changes on the Twitter website, violations include:
- Free promotion of prohibited 3rd-party social media platforms by linking out to the websites listed above.
- This includes providing a handle without a URL.
- Examples
- Follow me @username on Instagram”
- “Username@mastodon.social”
- “check out my profile on Facebook – facebook.com/username”
It is also noted that “Accounts that are used for the main purpose of promoting content on another social platform may be suspended. Additionally, any attempts to bypass restrictions on external links to the above prohibited social media platforms through technical or non-technical means (e.g. URL cloaking, plaintext obfuscation) is in violation of this policy.
This includes, but is not limited to, spelling out “dot” for social media platforms that use “.” in the names to avoid URL creation or sharing screenshots of your handle on a prohibited social media platform.”
Furthermore, the update does state that “we allow paid advertisement/promotion for any of the prohibited social media platforms.”
What happens when violating the new Twitter policy
Violators of the new policy may face serious consequences, including deletion of Tweets and even account suspension.
For those who fail to abide by the new policy, they may face a temporary suspension.
