Elon Musk Cracks Down on Twitter 'Impersonation' Accounts

Elon Musk Cracks Down on Twitter 'Impersonation' Accounts

LOS ANGELES — New Twitter owner Elon Musk has vowed to crack down on impersonation accounts, a long-standing concern for adult performers on the platform who have been shadow-banned or suspended even while fake accounts with thousands of followers thrive.

Musk announced his decision via Twitter over the weekend, after several verified “blue check” accounts changed their user name to “Elon Musk” to spoof the billionaire.

“Going forward,” Musk decreed, “any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying ‘parody’ will be permanently suspended.”

“Now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning,” Musk added. Previously, impersonators received warnings before being suspended.

Today, Musk tweeted, “Twitter rules will evolve over time, but they’re currently the following,” linking out to the current policies, including a section on “authenticity.”

That policy reads, “You may not impersonate individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others, nor use a fake identity in a manner that disrupts the experience of others on Twitter.”

Adult performers and other sex workers have repeatedly complained to little avail about Twitter’s routine practice of shadow-banning, or "ghost-banning," their accounts while leaving impostors unmolested.

Immediately after purchasing Twitter, Musk told a follower he would be “digging into” the practice of shadow-banning, a term and concept that large platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been extremely reluctant to discuss openly.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

AEBN Publishes Popular Seraches by Country for September, October

AEBN has released its list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Avery Jane Featured on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Avery Jane is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

FSC: Kansas Law Firm Threatens Adult Site Over Age Verification

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has been notified that Kansas law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley has sent a letter threatening an adult website with a lawsuit for breaking the state's age verification law.

10th Circuit Rejects Final FSC Appeal in Utah AV Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on Monday rejected a motion by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) requesting that the full court rehear its appeal in Free Speech Coalition v. Anderson, the industry trade association’s challenge to Utah’s age verification law.

Trump Nominates Project 2025 Contributor, Section 230 Foe to Chair FCC

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated, as his pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr — an author of Project 2025 who has called for gutting Section 230 protections.

Streamate's Elevate Partners With Miss Mei on Decriminalization Initiative

Streamate’s Elevate initiative is debuting a November collaboration with creator and community advocate Miss Mei that will highlight the modern criminalization of sex work.

RedGIFs Launches New Mobile App

RedGIFs has launched a new mobile app designed to offer users a smoother, faster browsing experience.

Show More