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 © 2025 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

ImLive Announces Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Creator Networking App 'Plaiir' Launches

Plaiir, a mobile networking app for creators, has officially launched.

Swedish Court Rules LELO Products Do Not Infringe 'Invalid' Satisfyer Patent

A Swedish district court has ruled that a patent filed by Satisfyer parent company EIS GmbH is not valid, and therefore three products from pleasure brand LELO are not in violation.

Show More