Twitter can be an app where anything goes. However, there may be times when someone Tweets something that goes against the platform’s community guidelines and rules…
Read on to find out the reasons why you may want to report a Tweet or account on the website and how to do it…
Why Would Someone Report a Tweet or Twitter Profile?
Twitter prides itself on being an open platform, meaning that people have the freedom to Tweet whatever they want, whenever they want—as long as it falls within specific guidelines.
There are various reasons why you may want to report a Tweet, but these are the main types of posts that violate The Twitter Rules and Terms of Service:
- Threats of violence
- Child sexual exploitation
- Terrorism or violent extremism
- Hateful conduct
- Tweets that promote suicide or self-harm
- The sale or advertisement of illegal goods
- Nonconsensual nudity
- Unsolicited sensitive media and adult content
- Spam
- The non-consensual posting of the private, identifying information of other people (i.e. doxxing)
- Impersonation
If you see a post that violates The Twitter Rules or Twitter’s Terms of Service, you may think it has been reported already. However, it’s wise to report something if you believe it’s a violation, just in case others have not. This way, Twitter will be aware of the post and will hopefully act accordingly.
How to Report a Tweet
If you see a Tweet that is offensive or inappropriate, you can report it to Twitter. Keep in mind that just because a Tweet is offensive to you, doesn’t mean it violates The Twitter Rules or Terms of Service.
To report a Tweet:
- Go to the Tweet you want to report.
- Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select Report Tweet.
- Continue through the next two prompts, selecting the reasons why you are reporting the Tweet.
Once this information has been submitted, Twitter will decide if the post violates The Twitter Rules or Terms of Service and take appropriate action. The process can take several days, after which Twitter will send feedback on the result of your report.
How to Report a Direct Message on Twitter
If you feel a message you received on Twitter is offensive or threatening, you can also report a Direct Message.
To report a Direct Message on Twitter:
- Go to the conversation you need to report.
- Click the i icon in the top right corner of the message.
- Select the Report @Username option.
- Continue through the prompts to finish the report and submit it to Twitter.
How to Report a Twitter Account
If you have noticed a Twitter profile that is offensive or appears to be breaking The Twitter Rules or Terms of Service regularly, you can report it.
Reporting an entire profile is best for repeat offenders or accounts that are engaged in coordinated harassment or consistent targeting of certain groups.
To report a Twitter profile for breaking the terms of service:
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select Report @Username.
- Go through the next couple of prompts, selecting the reasons why you are reporting the profile.
What Happens When You Report a Tweet or Twitter Profile
When you report a Tweet, Twitter will automatically hide the contents of the Tweet you reported with a message saying that you have reported it. If you wish to view the Tweet again, you can click on the blocked message to see it.
When a message is reported, Twitter will automatically remove the message from your inbox and you will be unable to retrieve it. If will you need the message for legal reasons, make sure you screenshot the message before you report it.
While you can report a Tweet or Twitter profile, this doesn’t mean that the account in question is automatically suspended. Twitter must investigate the offending Tweet to make sure it has actually violated the rules before taking action.
Sometimes, a Tweet isn’t technically offensive, but it is misleading. Twitter now warns you if you like a misleading Tweet.
Alternatives to Reporting a Tweet or Twitter Profile
If you see a Tweet you find offensive and you do not want to report it, or alternatively, you reported it and Twitter decided not to suspend the account from Twitter, there are a couple of things you can do to keep your inner peace.
Here are a few options to consider…
Block The Account
You can block the account from your Twitter feed so you cannot see their content and they cannot see yours.
To block an account on Twitter:
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the Tweet or profile.
- Tap on the Block @Username option.
- Select Block to block the user.
Mute the Twitter Account
You can remove an account’s Tweets from your timeline without unfollowing or blocking it, but by muting it instead. You can also mute conversations, usernames, specific words, phrases, hashtags, or emojis.
To mute an account on Twitter:
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the Tweet or profile.
- Tap on the Mute @Username option.
- Select Yes, I’m sure to mute the user.
Enable a Sensitive Media Warning on Twitter
If you are sensitive to certain media, such as gore or nudity, Twitter automatically flags posts for this type of content. Keep an eye out for these warnings and avoid clicking on them. Once you click on these warnings the content will be revealed.
Enable Safe Search
Twitter’s Safe Search function ensures you are protected from seeing content that you deem offensive by removing potentially sensitive content automatically from search results in Twitter. Safe Search also filters out accounts that you have blocked and muted from search pages.
Filtered Notifications
You can take control of your Twitter feed further by filtering the notifications you receive on Twitter. You can filter by using quality filters and advanced filters.
To access your Notification filters on Twitter:
- Go to your settings by clicking on the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your Twitter feed and selecting Settings and Privacy.
- Select the Notifications option.
- Click on Advanced Filters to access the options for filtering your notifications.
These are great alternatives to reporting a Tweet and can help you keep your Twitter feed under control, so you see what you want to while you’re scrolling.
Choose Your Twitter Battles Wisely
In some situations, reporting a Tweet isn’t the best choice and these alternatives will make sure that you don’t have to see content from Twitter accounts that you find offensive or misleading. However, if you see something that shouldn’t be on Twitter at all, reporting a Tweet or account is relatively is quick and easy.
