Twitter announces big crackdown on climate denialism

San Francisco, California - Twitter users who don't believe in climate change will no longer be able to advertise their beliefs on the social media platform.

Twitter is demonetizing all ads that "contradict the scientific consensus on climate change."
Twitter is demonetizing all ads that "contradict the scientific consensus on climate change."  © 123RF/antongarin

Under the new policy announced on Friday, which was also Earth Day, "misleading advertisements on Twitter that contradict the scientific consensus on climate change" will be prohibited.

Climate denialism is now a no-go along with other types of barred content, which include campaigns that contain violence, profanity, or personal attacks.

"We believe that climate denialism shouldn’t be monetized on Twitter, and that misrepresentative ads shouldn’t detract from important conversations about the climate crisis," Sean Boyler, the company’s Global Sustainability Manager, wrote in a blog post.

"We recognize that misleading information about climate change can undermine efforts to protect the planet."

Twitter officials specifically cited a new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which emphasizes the need for "immediate and deep emissions reductions."

The move comes amid a larger movement by many social media companies and tech platform to address information campaigns after activists criticized them for failing to take action against them.

Twitter also said it would provide more information in the coming months on how it plans to provide "reliable, authoritative context to the climate conversations" for with its viewers to engage.

Cover photo: 123RF/antongarin

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