Twitter Announces New Rules for Health Groups on Platform

(Twitter’s Policy on Virtual Health Communities)

SAN FRANCISCO, [Date] – Twitter introduced new policy guidelines today for virtual communities focused on health topics. The company says these changes aim to protect users seeking health information online.

The policy specifically targets groups discussing medical conditions. Twitter wants to ensure these spaces provide accurate information. The rules require group administrators to follow stricter moderation standards. Administrators must remove posts spreading harmful health misinformation quickly.

Twitter explained the move responds to growing concerns. False claims about treatments can spread rapidly in large online groups. Such misinformation poses real risks to public health. The platform faced criticism for not acting sooner against dangerous health rumors.

The new rules apply to all groups centered on physical or mental health topics. This includes groups for specific diseases, general wellness, and mental health support. Administrators failing to enforce the rules may see their groups restricted or removed. Twitter will use automated systems and human review to find violations.

Users searching for health information rely on trustworthy sources. Twitter believes these updates will make its platform safer for those users. The company acknowledges the value of peer support communities. It wants these groups to exist but with necessary safeguards against falsehoods.

(Twitter’s Policy on Virtual Health Communities)

Enforcement begins immediately. Group administrators received notifications about the policy changes. Twitter encourages users to report groups sharing harmful health misinformation. The company pledged ongoing monitoring of health discussions on its platform.