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Following his official acquisition of Twitter, Elon Musk proudly announced in a tweet, “Comedy is now legal on Twitter.”
Apparently, that statement should have come with an asterisk and a disclaimer.
On Sunday, tweeting from his own personal Twitter account, Musk changed his tune, writing, “Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying ‘parody’ will be permanently suspended.”
Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying “parody” will be permanently suspended
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022
While this policy itself is now exactly new, what is new is that Musk also announced that anyone violating this rule will no longer receive any sort of warning before being suspended.
Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning.
This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022
What makes Musk’s announcement even more unusual (aside from the fact he is announcing Twitter policy changes on his personal account and not a company account) is that Twitter’s “Misleading and deceptive identities policy” still clearly states that warnings can be issued.
Profile modifications
If your account is potentially confusing in terms of its affiliation, we may require you to edit the content on your profile. If you violate this policy again after your first warning, your account will be permanently suspended.
Temporary account suspension
If we believe you may be in violation of this policy, we may require you to provide government issued identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) in order to reinstate your account.
Permanent suspension
If you are engaged in impersonation or are using a misleading or deceptive fake identity, we may permanently suspend your account.
Numerous Twitter accounts that were posting parody tweets of Elon Musk’s Twitter account have been suspended
Interestingly, the same day that Elon Musk tweeted “Comedy is now legal on Twitter,” he also stated in a tweet, “Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints. No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes.”
Based on several reports, it doesn’t appear that this new policy was made with any input from a content moderation panel, just Musk himself.
The most commonly reported Twitter “parody” accounts being banned are those who have been making fun of the new owner of Twitter, Elon Musk.
Twitter appears to be suspending accounts that parody the new CEO.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) November 4, 2022
Comedian Kathy Griffin had her Twitter account suspended for tweeting about the midterm elections using Musk’s name.
Musk then joked in a tweet, “Actually, she was suspended for impersonating a comedian.”
He later tweeted, “But if she really wants her account back, she can have it … For $8.”
For those keeping score on these things, sci-fi author/former pro football player Chris Kluwe is currently “temporarily suspended” because an idiot fascist has no sense of humor or ability to wield power responsibly. pic.twitter.com/afShQhggdl
— Secret Gamer Girl (@SecretGamerGrrl) November 5, 2022
Australian satire website The Chaser was also among those suspended for changing its username to “Elom Musk.” It had its account reinstated when it then changed its username to “Elon Musk Fondles Dogs.”
“So basically all of the new rules made for Twitter are going to be rules based on whatever pissed you off regarding your own account that week. Sounds impulsive and completely on brand. Bravo,” one Twitter user, among many, complained.
Every Elon post is like watching Joe Pesci enter the Home Alone house
— John Frankensteiner (@JFrankensteiner) November 7, 2022