Twitter unveils "crisis misinformation policy" to slow down viral tweets
Published Date: 5/19/2022
Source: axios.com

Twitter on Thursday introduced a new policy aimed at making sure the social network doesn't amplify or recommend disinformation during an international armed conflict and crisis.

Why it matters: False material proliferated on Twitter and other social networks in the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.


  • Twitter says it will work to vet fact-specific information in times of crisis, via "multiple credible, publicly available sources."
  • Inaccurate tweets won't be removed, but instead will be put behind a warning label. They also will be unable to be liked, retweeted or shared.

What's excluded, per Twitter: "Strong commentary, efforts to debunk or fact check, and personal anecdotes or first person accounts."

Be smart: This content moderation effort, like many others at Twitter, could be totally or partially undone if Elon Musk buys the company.

Look ahead: Twitter says that while this initial policy is aimed at international armed conflict, it could later be expanded to include other forms of crisis.