Twitter prohibits users from sharing private photos and videos of individuals without their permission. This is an extension of Twitter's anti-doxxing policy.
Previously, Twitter had prohibited users from sharing other people's personal information without permission, such as location or address, identity documents, non-public contact information, financial information, or health data.
This new policy doesn't mean Twitter will need permission from all individuals before a photo or video is uploaded. But if someone wants their photo removed because it was uploaded without permission, Twitter will delete it.
"When we are notified by the individual in the image, or by their authorized representative, that they do not agree to share their private image or video, we will remove it," Twitter said in a statement. ).
"This policy does not apply to media featuring public figures or individuals when the media and accompanying Tweet text are shared in the public interest or add value to public discourse."
Beginning today, we will not allow the sharing of private media, such as images or videos of private individuals without their consent. Publishing people's private info is also prohibited under the policy, as is threatening or incentivizing others to do so.https://t.co/7EXvXdwegG
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) November 30, 2021
In the case of public figures, Twitter said it would still remove media content whose purpose was to harass the individual. This is in line with Twitter's policy against abusive behavior.
Twitter also said when it determines it will remove content about public figures, it will see if this information is publicly available on traditional media, such as TV or newspapers.
This policy is indeed quite confusing. Twitter users have complained whether this means they can no longer upload crowd photos without getting permission from each individual, and fear this policy will be used to silence users.
Through the Twitter Safety account, the social media with the bird logo then gave further explanations.
"This policy update will help address the misuse of media to harass, intimidate, and reveal the identity of private individuals, which has a disproportionate impact on women, activists, dissidents and members of minority communities," Twitter said.
Twitter also explains that photos and videos showing large crowds of people at large events, such as football matches, will not violate this policy and users do not need to ask each individual's permission to upload their content.
When someone reports a photo or video and asks for it to be removed, Twitter will still consider whether the content adds value to public discourse before deciding to remove the content.
