Social networks like Twitter must have a set of mandatory rules that serve many purposes. From trying to guarantee the coexistence of its members in a civilized way to, of course, promoting a safe space… at least for advertisers, since their presence plays a key role in their economic sustainability. It is true that of course they have other sources of income, but let’s not be fooled, if they run out of advertisers, profitability becomes a chimera.

That is, when we use a social network we accept, obligingly, to know, accept and follow the rules that regulate this space and otherwise assume that we will be penalized for said violation, with penalties that can range from receiving a warning to permanently suspending our account. It’s logical of course, it’s pointless to set rules if the necessary measures are not taken to guarantee compliance and punish the lack of them, right?

But it is true that not everything works as smoothly and as diligently as it seems on a theoretical level. Many offenses remain punishable, others are applied unfairly, and in many cases there is a general feeling that Twitter is too strict with some of its rules. And of course, if users get tired of a penalty regime that they feel is excessive, in the long run it may discourage them from using the service, and as I mentioned before, social networks are dependent on advertisers, yes, but also on users to serve such ads .

As we stated earlier, we proactively reinstate previously suspended accounts. Starting February 1, anyone can appeal an account suspension and be evaluated against our new reinstatement criteria. https://t.co/2MR8yonMlM

—TwitterSafety (@TwitterSafety) January 28, 2023

That is, as the social network indicated in the thread on one of his official accounts, stricter account blocking criteria will be set and less serious actions will have less severe penalties. As of February 1, all suspended accounts will be able to appeal the suspension based on the new rules. In addition, actions that were previously punished with a ban (temporary or permanent) will now undergo additional disciplinary measures, such as removing the tweet that violated the rules, without receiving a higher penalty, if they take the initial action. Twitter confirms that yes, accounts will not be reinstated or penalties reduced for illegal activity, threats of harm or violence, extensive spam and manipulation.

Will these changes mean another massive return of previously blocked accounts like what happened in December? Most likely, some bills may come back, but it’s not something as massive as what happened at the end of last year. Mainly because it was an automatic process at the time, but this time it might depend on those responsible for reviewing appeals, and of course considering that right now Twitter has around 20% of its employees according to various sources. until Musk’s arrival, we can’t count on large teams of reviewers assembling for such challenges.