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. "We have been working hard over the past year to make sure we are doing everything possible to keep our community safe from hateful activity online," said CEO Jack Dorsey in an official blog post. 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.