Twitter bans posting pictures of individuals without their consent

Microblogging site Twitter has updated its private information policy. Twitter has said it will not allow sharing of personal media such as photos and videos on its platform without the consent of the person.

However, this policy is not applicable to media featuring public figures or individuals when media and accompanying Tweet text are shared in the public interest or add value to public discourse.

“When we are notified by individuals depicted, or by an authorised representative, that they did not consent to having their private image or video shared, we will remove it,” the statement issued by the company read.

Twitter already prohibited the publication of private information such as a person’s phone number or address, but there are “growing concerns” about the use of content to “harass, intimidate and reveal the identities of individuals,” said the company.

Twitter also noted a “disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities.”

On November 29, Jack Dorsey announced his resignation and confirmed that his replacement was Indian-born Parag Agrawal. Dorsey will remain a member of the board until his term expires in May 2022 and assist Parag with the transition.