Twitter changes utilization rules; entirely disallows posting reprisal porn on site

Twitter has changed its rules. The new rules stop people from posting revenge porn. Revenge porn means sharing private pictures or videos without permission. The change is meant to protect victims.

What is revenge porn?

Revenge porn is a type of abuse. Someone takes a picture or video that is private. Then they share it online without the person’s consent. The picture can be a nude or a personal moment. It can be used to hurt, embarrass, or control the person.

Many countries have laws that call this illegal. The law says the picture is personal data. Sharing it can be a crime. Victims often feel scared, ashamed, and unsafe.

Twitter’s new rule explained

Twitter added a clear warning on its Twitter Rules page. The page says that private images are personal data. Posting them breaks the rules. The rule also covers “cozy” images. These are pictures taken or shared without the subject’s consent.

Twitter says it will treat such content as a violation. The platform will remove the post. The user who posted it can be suspended or have their account locked. The rule also says Twitter will give the IP address of the offender to the victim or to law‑enforcement if a legal request is made.

CEO Dick Costolo admitted that Twitter “sucked at” handling this problem before. He gave a reminder that the platform is now taking stronger action.

How to report a violation

If you see a post that looks like revenge porn, you can report it. Twitter now lets you use the normal reporting tool. You do not need to send a DMCA notice.

• Step 1: Click the three‑dot menu on the tweet.
• Step 2: Choose “Report Tweet”.
• Step 3: Select “It’s abusive or harmful”.
• Step 4: Choose “Non‑consensual intimate media”.
• Step 5: Follow the prompts to submit the request.

After you submit, Twitter’s Trust & Safety team will look at the report. The tweet will be hidden from public view while the team reviews it.

What happens after you report

Twitter will check if the report is valid. If the tweet breaks the new rule, Twitter will remove it. The user who posted it may be warned, suspended, or have their account locked.

If the person who posted the tweet thinks the report is wrong, they can appeal. Twitter will review the appeal. During the review, the tweet stays hidden from other users.

If the content is not a violation— for example, a photo that the person shared publicly with consent— Twitter will not take action. The tweet will become visible again.

Twitter’s Trust & Safety team works 24 × 7. They answer reports any time of day. They also keep looking for new technology to stop the re‑sharing of harmful content.

Tips to stay safe on Twitter

Here are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

• Think before you share any personal photo. Ask yourself if you have permission.
• Use the privacy settings on your account. You can make your tweets visible only to people you follow.
• If you receive a threatening message, block the sender and report the tweet.
• Keep a copy of any evidence (screenshots) before you report. This helps the Trust & Safety team.
• Talk to a trusted adult if you feel unsafe. They can help you contact the police if needed.

FAQ

What counts as “private” under Twitter’s rule?

Any image or video that a person expects to stay private. This includes nudes, intimate moments, or pictures taken without consent.

Do I need a DMCA notice to report revenge porn?

No. Twitter’s new system lets you report directly through the normal “Report Tweet” feature.

Will Twitter give my personal information to the offender?

No. Twitter protects your data. It only shares the offender’s IP address with the victim or law‑enforcement when required by law.

Can a tweet be restored if it was removed by mistake?

Yes. If the poster appeals and the review finds the tweet was not a violation, Twitter will restore it.

Conclusion

Twitter’s new policy aims to stop revenge porn. The rules are clear: posting non‑consensual images is not allowed. Users can report abuse easily, and the platform will act fast. By understanding the rules and using the reporting tools, everyone can help make Twitter safer.