Twitter Unveils New Council to Help Users 'Feel Safe Expressing Themselves

On the heels of suspending thousands of terrorist-linked accounts, Twitter has launched a new effort: the "Trust and Safety Council," whose goal is to ensure users "feel safe" when using the social media platform.

According to Twitter's @Policy account, the network's new council is comprised of many different groups, including GLAAD, the Anti-Defimation League, the Wahid Institute and Feminist Frequency, among others.

Happy Safer Internet Day! We're pleased to announce the inaugural members of our Trust & Safety Council #SID2016 https://t.co/xa8nkSxXik

— Policy (@policy) February 9, 2016

The goal of the new effort is to emphasize "greater compassion and empathy on the Internet," and address the way mental health is impacted by online abuse. In addition, the council will be a "new and foundational part of our strategy to ensure that people feel safe expressing themselves on Twitter."

The council's About page says that Twitter "empowers every voice to shape the world," and says that goal is threatened unless users feel "safe" and "confident" enough to express themselves without fear of abuse.

"To help give your voice more power, Twitter does not tolerate behavior intended to harass, intimidate, or use fear to silence another user’s voice," the About page reads. "Working together, we will ensure Twitter is a platform where anyone, anywhere can express themselves safely and confidently."

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