Twitter Bans Sharing of People’s Photos and Videos Without Consent

Twitter Inc. on Tuesday said users will no longer be able to share private media, such as photos and videos, of another person without their consent.

The social media platform said this is aimed at improving privacy and security stating that “There are growing concerns about the misuse of media and information that is not available elsewhere online as a tool to harass, intimidate, and reveal the identities of individuals.”

“Sharing personal media, such as images or videos, can potentially violate a person’s privacy, and may lead to emotional or physical harm,” Twitter said in a blog post. 

“The misuse of private media can affect everyone, but can have a disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities.” disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities.”

To be clear, we require a first-person report of the photo/video in question (or from an authorized representative). After we receive a report, that particular media will be reviewed before any enforcement action is taken.

— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) November 30, 2021

We will take into consideration whether the image is publicly available and/or is being covered by journalists—or if a particular image and the accompanying Tweet text adds value to the public discourse—is being shared in public interest or is relevant to the community.

— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) November 30, 2021

When we are notified by individuals depicted, or by an authorized representative, that they did not consent to having their private image or video shared, we will remove it. 

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.

The announcement comes after co-founder Jack Dorsey stepped down Monday as Twitter’s CEO. Former Chief Technology Officer Parag Agrawal took over as the company’s CEO.

Use of Surveillance Technologies to Tackle COVID-19 Raises Human Rights Concerns for Kenya