Twitter has recently reconditioned its privacy policy, removing photos of people that have been posted on the platform without their consent. In accordance with the updated system, posting other people’s private information, such as addresses, contact numbers, identity documents, and medical records, is strictly prohibited. According to the social media giant, the change in its privacy policy aims to prevent intimidation and harassment against individuals. “Sharing personal media, such as images or videos, can potentially violate a person’s privacy, and may lead to emotional or physical harm,” the company said. “The misuse of private media can affect everyone, but can have a disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents, and members of minority communities.”

Under the new Twitter protocol, a first-person report or a report from an authorized representative would be required before taking down the image or video. This process, according to the company, will establish whether or not the individual gave consent to it being published. The policy, however, does not apply in emergency circumstances and when public interest is involved. “This policy is not applicable to media featuring public figures or individuals when media and accompanying Tweet text are shared in the public interest or add value to public discourse,” Twitter said. The company added that it “will take into consideration whether the image is publicly available and/or is being covered by journalists — or if a particular image and the accompanying Tweet text adds value to the public discourse — is being shared in public interest or is relevant to the community.”