Twitter has recently updated its privacy policy, removing photos and videos of people published on the platform without their permission. Under the updated system, sharing other people’s private information like addresses, contact numbers, identity documents, and medical records is strictly not allowed. According to the social media company, the update aims to avoid intimidation and harassment. “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.

In the new measures, a report from an allowed representative would be required before removing the image or video. However, this process does not apply in emergency situations or 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.”