What is Twitter's policy on manipulated media?

Twitter's policy on manipulated media is designed to prevent the spread of misleading or deceptive content by addressing media that has been altered or fabricated in a way that could mislead viewers. Here's a detailed overview of Twitter's policy on manipulated media:

### **1. **Definition of Manipulated Media**

- **Intentional Alteration**: Twitter defines manipulated media as content that has been intentionally altered or fabricated in a way that misrepresents the original context or content, with the aim of deceiving viewers. This includes both images and videos that have been digitally modified.

- **Deepfakes and Fabricated Content**: The policy specifically includes deepfakes (videos or audio recordings altered using AI technologies) and fabricated content that presents false information or misrepresents real events.

### **2. **Policy Enforcement**

- **Detection**: Twitter uses a combination of automated tools and human moderation to detect manipulated media. Automated systems look for signs of alteration, while human reviewers assess the context and intent behind flagged content.

- **Content Labeling**: Manipulated media that is identified but not removed may be labeled to inform users that the content has been altered. Labels provide context about the nature of the manipulation and why the content may be misleading.

- **Content Removal**: Content that is found to violate Twitter's manipulated media policy may be removed from the platform. This action is taken to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect users from deceptive content.

### **3. **Exceptions and Contextual Considerations**

- **Satire and Artistic Expression**: Content that is clearly intended as satire or artistic expression may be reviewed with additional context. While manipulated media is still subject to policy enforcement, Twitter considers the intent behind such content and may apply different measures, such as labeling rather than removal.

- **Educational Purposes**: Manipulated media used for educational purposes, where the intent is to illustrate or teach about media manipulation, may be handled differently. Such content might be labeled to provide context rather than removed.

### **4. **Appeals Process**

- **User Appeals**: Users who believe their content was incorrectly flagged or removed can appeal the decision. The appeals process allows users to provide additional context and request a re-evaluation of the content.

- **Re-evaluation**: Twitter's moderation teams review appeals to ensure that content moderation decisions are accurate and fair, taking into account any new information provided.

### **5. **Transparency and Reporting**

- **Transparency Reports**: Twitter publishes transparency reports detailing how manipulated media policies are enforced. These reports include information on the volume of content flagged, actions taken, and the outcomes of appeals.

- **Notifications**: Users whose content is flagged or removed are notified with information about why the action was taken and what steps they can take if they disagree with the decision.

### **6. **Global and Regional Considerations**

- **Regional Adaptations**: While the core principles of the policy apply globally, Twitter may adapt its enforcement practices based on local laws and cultural norms. This ensures compliance with regional regulations while maintaining the overall consistency of policy application.

- **Local Sensitivities**: Twitter takes into account regional sensitivities when applying policies but aims to ensure that all users are treated fairly and consistently.

### **7. **Ongoing Updates and Improvements**

- **Policy Updates**: Twitter regularly updates its policies to address new challenges in media manipulation and to improve the effectiveness of its enforcement measures.

- **Feedback and Adaptation**: Twitter uses feedback from users, moderators, and external experts to refine its policies and detection systems.

In summary, Twitter's policy on manipulated media aims to address and mitigate the impact of altered or fabricated content that could mislead or deceive users. The policy involves detection, labeling, and removal of manipulated media, with considerations for context and intent, as well as an appeals process and transparency measures.