Twitter publishes new rules for users

New rules have been published for Twitter users as the social network seeks to clarify its user policies and their enforcement.

Twitter has released the rewritten version of its rules in response to growing concerns about online behaviour so that content with violent and hateful intent can be better policed and other users of the social media platform are kept safe.

The new rules explain that anyone who violates a Twitter policy and has their account suspended will have emails sent to their connections detailing what they have done, while anyone who posts content suggesting they may harm themselves will be automatically connected with mental health professionals who are able to offer support.

What's more, the Twitter team will evaluate how newsworthy tweets are when deciding whether they are abusive.

Twitter stated: "We believe in freedom of expression and open dialogue, but that means little as an underlying philosophy if voices are silenced because people are afraid to speak up."