Depending on the severity of the offense, your suspension could last a few days, weeks, or even permanently. Let’s explore this topic further in this blog post to help give you a better understanding.
Twitter Account Suspended? Typical Reasons Why
Signing in to Twitter.com or signing in on your Twitter app on a mobile device is the easiest method to know why your Twitter account has been suspended. A Twitter user who had been suspended in the past may not have realized it until they attempted to post on Twitter. After submitting a new post, users will receive an error message: “Your Twitter account has been suspended and is not permitted to access this feature.”
Twitter takes pride in providing its users with a safe platform to voice their thoughts and opinions. However, there are some cases where people have been suspended for violating Twitter rules and guidelines. The following are some typical reasons why Twitter accounts get suspended.
Spam
Creating multiple Twitter accounts or tweeting the same content over and over again can be considered spamming and leads to Twitter account suspension. This behavior often includes following a large number of users in a short period or repeatedly tweeting links to the same website.
Also, Twitter allows users to automate some of their tasks, such as tweeting content from RSS feeds. However, some automation practices are not allowed on the platform. This includes but is not limited to: creating fake accounts, following/unfollowing a large number of people in a short period, and tweeting the same content multiple times. So make sure to be familiarized yourself with Twitter rules regarding spamming and automation.
Spammy or Abusive Behavior
Any form of abuse directed towards another person is not tolerated on Twitter. It includes but is not limited to: threatening language, harassment, and hateful conduct. If you see someone violating this rule, you can report the abusive behavior directly to Twitter.
Linking to Pernicious Websites or Malware
Linking to websites that could harm other people’s computers is not allowed on Twitter. It includes sites that are known to distribute malware or viruses. If you come across a tweet that contains a harmful link, you can report it to Twitter.
Denying a Tragedy or Conspiracy Theories
People have sometimes been suspended for tweeting false information about tragedies, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks. If you see someone spreading false information about a tragic event, you can report it to Twitter.
Impersonation
Impersonating other people on Twitter is not allowed. It includes tweeting as if you are someone else or creating a parody account of another person. If you see a Twitter account impersonating someone, you can report it to Twitter.
Uploading Sensitive Media
What is the definition of sensitive content? It’s another thing to see graphic violence. One example is sexual violence. For some reason, Twitter does not permit media to show sensitive content, which would have one’s accounts suspended.
The adult content in live streams or graphics, such as pornography, is another sensitive media. Pornographic material is permitted on Twitter but not on a user’s profile or live broadcast, and a Twitter account should be classified as hosting sensitive material. When you upload explicit content, ensure your Twitter account is set up properly so other users aren’t exposed to anything they would not want to view.
Posting Inappropriate Content
Keep in mind that not all Twitter users are adults. Some children use the platform as well. Because of this, it’s important to avoid posting any content that could be considered inappropriate for children. It includes but is not limited to nudity, violence, and profanity. If you see someone posting inappropriate content, you can report it to Twitter.
Promoting Illegal Activity
Any forms of illegal activity are not allowed on Twitter. This includes but is not limited to drug dealing, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. If you see someone promoting illegal activity on Twitter, you can report it to the authorities as it needs severe enforcement action.
Violating Copyright Law
Posting copyrighted material on Twitter without the owner’s permission is not allowed. This includes but is not limited to: photos, videos, and articles. If you see someone violating copyright law on Twitter, you can report it to Twitter.
Misinformation Related to Any Medical Issues
Publishing false information about any medical issues is not allowed on Twitter. This includes but is not limited to: the coronavirus, vaccines, and treatments. Because of “multiple violations” of Twitter’s medical misinformation rule, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s US personal Twitter account has been permanently suspended. Twitter has the right to impose its own set of rules. Thus, the Twitter rules may be completely arbitrary while being enforced. In short, the platform policy aims to prevent false conspiracy narratives, rumors, and theories from putting people at risk.
Regulated or Illegal Services and Goods
Certain services and goods are regulated or illegal in certain jurisdictions. Promoting the sale of these items is not allowed on Twitter. This includes but is not limited to alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. It is also illegal to give out other private info without their permission (a practice known as “doxing”). If you see someone promoting the sale of regulated or illegal items on Twitter, you can report it.
These are some of the most common reasons why people get suspended on Twitter. If you think you’ve been suspended unfairly, you can appeal the decision by filling out this form.
What Twitter Rules Are the Worst to Break
Twitter website on desktop
Twitter rules, as its term imply, mean the rules or guidelines that set out what users can and cannot do on the social media platform. Twitter’s rules that are worst to break and initiate zero-tolerance include:
ViolenceViolent extremism/terrorismChild sexual exploitationSuicide or self-harmPerpetrators of violent attacksHateful conductHarassment/abuseSensitive mediaRegulated or Illegal Services and GoodsNon-consensual nudityCopyright and trademarkManipulated and synthetic mediaMisleading and Deceptive IdentitiesCivic IntegrityPlatform manipulation and spam.
Twitter takes action on a Tweet-by-Tweet basis to ensure that they weren’t being extremely punitive with an otherwise healthy account that has got it wrong Twitter rules violation. Some of these rules are more serious than others and can result in longer suspensions from the site. Here is the range of Twitter enforcement options that can get you a suspended account on Twitter:
Tweet Labelling
As mentioned earlier, Twitter imposes its rules on a Tweet-by-Tweet basis or Tweet level enforcement. It means that Twitter will put a warning label on your Tweet if it violates their rules without necessarily taking any other action on your Twitter account. Depending on the violation’s severity, this label may make your Tweet only viewable to people who follow you and have chosen to see sensitive content.
Twitter may label your Tweet if it violates their rules, but they believe it may be in the public’s interest to see it. It means that your Tweet will remain on the site but will be hidden behind a warning message. People will have to click through this warning message to view your Tweet. It is important to note that your Twitter account will not be suspended for having a Tweet labeled in this way but to an otherwise healthy account that has got it wrong, this could be the first step towards a suspension.
Tweet Deletion or Limiting Visibility
If your Tweet violates Twitter’s rules, they may delete it, and you will receive a notification letting you know that this has happened. In some cases, they may limit the visibility of your Tweet instead of deleting it. It means that only people who follow you and have chosen to see sensitive content will be able to see it.
Limiting tweet visibility depends on account settings, either public or private. This course of action may apply to your Twitter account if you violate Twitter’s rules, such as posting non-consensual nudity or promoting the sale of regulated or illegal goods.
Stopping Violator-Reporter Interactions
When a party reports another in Direct Message, Twitter will block the offender from exchanging messages with the complainant. These conversations will be taken from the reporter’s inbox. If the complainant sends Direct Messages to the offender, the conversation resumes. If the offender replies to a conversation that the complainant starts, they will not be able to see the message sent by the offender. In severe or repeated cases of Direct Message harassment, Twitter may take action against the account, such as suspending it.
Requiring Profile or Media Edits
In some cases, Twitter may require you to edit your profile or media to comply with their rules. For example, if you use an avatar that violates their nudity policy, they may ask you to remove it. If a user’s profile or media content violates Twitter’s rules, it might temporarily disable it and demand the perpetrator to amend their profile. Twitter would also disclose which rule has been violated. If you don’t comply with this request, they may take further action against your Twitter account, such as suspending it.
Account Read-Only Mode
Twitter may put your account into read-only mode if you violate their rules, such as posting abusive or spammy content. It means that people will still be able to see your Tweets and profile, but you will not be able to Tweet, Retweet, like, or follow others. In some cases, Twitter may also remove your ability to send Direct Messages. It is usually a temporary measure put in place while Twitter investigates a possible rules violation.
Account Ownership Verification
In some cases, Twitter may require you to verify ownership of an account before they will take any action on it. It is usually in response to a report of abusive or spammy content. Twitter will send a notification to the email address associated with the account asking you to verify account ownership. If you do not respond to this notification or do not have access to the email address associated with the Twitter account, Twitter may take further action, such as suspending it as it may implies that you are not the eligible account owner.
Account Suspension or Limited Functionality
The most serious action that Twitter can take is to suspend your account. It means you will not be able to log in or access your Twitter account for a set period. In some cases, your account may be permanently suspended. Twitter may also put your account into what is known as “time out,” which means that your Twitter account will be limited in functionality for a set period. It may mean that you are not able to Tweet, Retweet, like, or follow anyone during this time.
You can appeal the decision if you think that Twitter has suspended your account unfairly. Twitter support will then review your appeal, and if they agree that your account was suspended in error, they will unsuspend it. If they do not agree, your Twitter account will remain suspended.
Twitter’s policy on suspensions does not publicly discuss the suspension of individual accounts. It means that if you are suspended, you will not be told why and there is no way to find out. Only Twitter knows the reason for a suspension, and they do not share this information with anyone.
How Many Times Can Your Twitter Account Be Suspended Before You Are Banned?
No set number of times your account can be suspended before it is banned. Each suspension is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If Twitter believes that you have repeatedly violated their rules, they may decide to ban your account. Banning an account is a permanent action and cannot be appealed.
Twitter suspensions may last 12-7 days. Depending on the Twitter account violation. Some suspended Twitter accounts are read-only. Users may still view and access their Twitter accounts. When you log in, and notice prompts to give the phone number or validate the email address, the account is in good standing.
The blue checkmark will be removed if you have a verified badge on your profile and Twitter still suspends your account. While unverified accounts can get their badges back after an appeal, verified ones cannot. An account suspension can result in a ban when Twitter decides the user has repeatedly violated its rules.
What Happens if Your Twitter Account is Banned?
If your Twitter account is banned, you will not be able to log in or access your account. Your account will also be permanently removed from Twitter. It means that all your Tweets, Twitter followers, and likes will be gone. If you try to create a new account with the same email address or phone.
A ban is a permanent stop to using Twitter. Banned accounts cannot be recovered, meaning you can never get your account back and there’s no way to appeal the decision. If somebody tries to log in to a banned account, they’ll see this message: “Account Suspended: This account has been suspended.” So, if you see this, don’t try to log in or appeal the decision—it won’t work.
If you want to continue using Twitter after being banned, you’ll need to create a new Twitter account.