by Michelle Lentz
Twitter released a new Terms of Service today. You probably got an email about it, and they covered it – in brief – over on the Twitter blog.
The basics are just that you own your own tweets, although Twitter can republish them (since that is their purpose), they’ve left the door open for advertising, spam is bad, and there are specific guidelines for use of the API. The summary from their blog is:
Advertising — In the Terms, we leave the door open for advertising. We’d like to keep our options open as we’ve said before.
Ownership — Twitter is allowed to “use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display and distribute” your tweets because that’s what we do. However, they are your tweets and they belong to you.
APIs — The apps that have grown around the Twitter platform are flourishing and adding value to the ecosystem. You authorize us to make content available via our APIs. We’re also working on guidelines for use of the API.
SPAM — Abusive behavior and spam is also outlined in these terms according to the rules we’ve been operating under for some time.
The two things that stand out to me are that I have ownership of my tweets, which heads off the whole Facebook TOS Privacy fiasco, and that Twitter is leaving the “door open” for advertising. By doing this, they’re allowing themselves to take their time deciding what advertising/sponsorship option works best for them.
What are your thoughts on the new TOS?
Updated Information (2023)
As of 2023, Twitter has undergone significant changes, including its ownership and operational structure. The platform has continued to refine its Terms of Service, particularly in response to user feedback and regulatory scrutiny.
One notable change is the introduction of more transparent policies regarding user data and privacy, which aim to enhance user trust. Twitter has also expanded its advertising options, allowing for more targeted advertising while ensuring that users maintain ownership of their content.
Additionally, the platform has implemented stricter measures against spam and abusive behavior, reflecting a commitment to creating a safer environment for users. The evolution of Twitter’s policies continues to be a topic of discussion among users and industry experts alike, as the platform navigates the complexities of social media governance in a rapidly changing digital landscape.