Fake accounts targeted

Twitter has announced a new clampdown on fake accounts as it pledges to “improve the health of the public conversation” before the US mid-term elections.

The social media firm has updated its rules as part of efforts to cut down on misinformation. It has also announced plans to cut the spread of hacked material.

On fake accounts, Twitter said it would take action against those found to be using stock or stolen avatar photos and profile biographies, plus those that use “misleading profile information” such as deceptive profile locations.

Theplatform,alongwithother social media sites such as Facebook, has been accused of failing to act against attempts to influence previous political events such as elections and referendums via their services. Twitter said it would allow commentary on hacks such as news articles to continue to appear on the site.