Twitter allows its users to contribute ideas about new rules for world leaders who use the platform. Less strict rules apply to that group than to other users.
The company says it wants to adapt its policy to the ever-changing way in which politicians and government officials interact with Twitter. That is why users are now being asked whether they believe world leaders should adhere to the rules that apply to others and what sanctions are appropriate.
Users worldwide can complete a questionnaire until April 12. It is available in fourteen languages, including Arabic, English, Chinese and Spanish. In addition, Twitter engages various experts.
The way Twitter deals with politicians and officials has been a topic of discussion ever since the platform blocked Donald Trump’s account at the beginning of this year. The then American president was banned from multiple social media platforms because, according to critics, he incited his followers to storm the parliament building in Washington.
Trump supporters criticized Twitter’s decision, while others said the messaging service should have taken action against Trump before.
‘Politicians and officials are constantly evolving when using our platform. We want our rules to remain relevant in light of the constantly evolving nature of the political discourse on Twitter and to protect the health of the public debate,” Twitter said in a blog post.