Terrorism and violent extremism policy

Overview

March 2019

You may not threaten or promote terrorism or violent extremism. 

There is no place on Twitter for terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups and individuals who affiliate with and promote their illicit activities. The violence that these groups engage in and/or promote jeopardizes the physical safety and well-being of those targeted. Our assessments in this context are informed by national and international terrorism designations. We also assess organizations under our violent extremist group criteria. 

Violent extremist groups are those that meet all of the below criteria:

• identify through their stated purpose, publications, or actions as an extremist group;
• have engaged in, or currently engage in, violence and/or the promotion of violence as a means to further their cause; and
• target civilians in their acts and/or promotion of violence.

We examine a group’s activities both on and off Twitter to determine whether they engage in and/or promote violence against civilians to advance a political, religious and/or social cause.

What is in violation of this policy?

Under this policy, you can’t affiliate with and promote the illicit activities of a terrorist organization or violent extremist group. Examples of the types of content that violate this policy include, but are not limited to:

• engaging in or promoting acts on behalf of a terrorist organization or violent extremist group; 
• recruiting for a terrorist organization or violent extremist group;
• providing or distributing services (e.g., financial, media/propaganda) to further a terrorist organization’s or violent extremist group’s stated goals; and
• using the insignia or symbols of terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups to promote them.

What is not a violation of this policy?

We may make limited exceptions for groups that have reformed or are currently engaging in a peaceful resolution process, as well as groups with representatives who have been elected to public office through democratic elections. We may also make exceptions related to the discussion of terrorism or extremism for clearly educational or documentary purposes. This policy also doesn’t apply to military or government entities. 

Who can report violations of this policy?

Anyone can report potential violations of this policy, whether they have a Twitter account or not. 

How can I report violations of this policy?

In-app

You can report this content for review in-app on iOS as follows:

1. Select Report Tweet from the  icon.
2. Select It’s abusive or harmful.
3. Select Threatening violence or physical harm.
4. Select the relevant option depending on who you are reporting on behalf of.
5. Select up to 5 Tweets to report for review.
6. Submit your report.

Desktop

You can report this content for review via desktop as follows:

1. Select Report Tweet from the  icon.
2. Select It’s abusive or harmful.
3. Select Threatening violence or physical harm.
4. Select the relevant option depending on who you are reporting on behalf of.
5. Select up to 5 Tweets to report for review.
6. Submit your report.

Report form

You can also report this content for review via our abusive behavior reporting form, by selecting the Specific violent threats involving physical safety or well-being option. 

What happens if you violate this policy?

We will immediately and permanently suspend any account that we determine to be in violation of this policy. If you believe that your account was suspended in error, you can submit an appeal.

Additional resources

Learn more about our range of enforcement options and our approach to policy development and enforcement.

To learn more about violations related to specific threats of violence or incidents involving wish for the serious physical harm, death, or disease of an individual or group of people, please see our glorification of violence policy.