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

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Paysite 'RealGirlsFuck' Relaunches as 'Taboolu.com'

Producer/performer Josh Lewis has relaunched his paysite, RealGirlsFuck, as Taboolu.com.

Show More