Chief Twit has implemented yet another new policy today for Twitter: No “free promotion” of competing social media websites. That is users may no longer link to Facebook, Mastodon, Instagram. and other social media sites. Advertisers (since their promotions are not “free”) can continue linking to said competition platforms.

Moving forward, Twitter says it will remove links to Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Tribel, Post, Nostr and Donald Trump’s Truth Social from accounts whose “main purpose” is to promote content on those platforms. As a result of the policy, users can no longer use their Twitter bio to link to their other social media profiles, nor can they post tweets that invite their followers to follow them elsewhere. Additionally, the company is restricting the use of third-party aggregators like Linktree and Link.bio. Twitter warns that users who attempt to bypass the new policy using technical means like URL cloaking or less advanced methods will be found in violation of the policy.

The company has carved out two exceptions to its new rule. “We recognize that certain social media platforms provide alternative experiences to Twitter, and allow users to post content to Twitter from these platforms,” the company said. “In general, any type of cross-posting to our platform is not in violation of this policy, even from the prohibited sites listed above.” Additionally, Twitter says it will continue to allow paid promotion for any of the platforms on its new prohibited list.

Also Twitter accounts with user names related to the above platform will be banned. Since Twitter is a private company (since Musk’s purchase in October), legally he is allowed to make any policies hw wants. However, just because it is legal does not mean it is right (for the health and future of the platform).

via Engadget