Twitter is set to close a loophole that enables users affiliated with hate groups to be active on its site by monitoring behaviour "both on and off the platform", according to a company statement. The clampdown, which also covers images and usernames, comes into effect on month, a delay brought about by European Union regulations which require companies to give a 18 December's notice before implementing changes. Free speech advocates have criticised the move, calling it a "scary precedent". Twitter also recently revoked the verification badges of Richard Spencer and Jason Kessler, and banned prominent troll Tim Gionet.
Twitter is set to close a loophole that enables users affiliated with hate groups to be active on its site by monitoring behaviour "both on and off the platform", according to a company statement. The clampdown, which also covers images and usernames, comes into effect on 18 December, a delay brought about by European Union regulations which require companies to give a month's notice before implementing changes. Free speech advocates have criticised the move, calling it a "scary precedent". Twitter also recently revoked the verification badges of Richard Spencer and Jason Kessler, and banned prominent troll Tim Gionet.