Twitter on Wednesday updated its privacy policy, making it “as simple and useful as possible” so that users can better understand how their data on the site is collected and used.
The social media platform’s updated policy, along with a completely redesigned privacy site, also includes a new interactive game designed to help users better understand their privacy and data options.
“We wanted to fit our Privacy Policy into 280 characters, but there’s a lot here,” Twitter said in a statement unveiling the new privacy policy. “And it’s important. So we’ve rewritten it to be as simple and useful as possible to help you understand the information we collect, how it’s used, and the control you have.”
The company, which is poised to be purchased by SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk, said it has updated the language used in the policy to be more “clear” and “moved away from legal jargon.”
“Beginning today, you can see the updates to our privacy policy and terms of service in the app via settings and on our redesigned privacy policy site,” the company continued.
The new policy statement explains that the company collects data in three ways: through information provided to it by users when they join, the information provided by users when they use the platform, and information it receives from third parties such as advertisers, developers, and publishers.
It further explains how the data is used, for example, to operate, improve, and personalize the services it offers to users, to ensure safety on the platform, and for research.
“We use information you share with us, or that we collect to conduct research, surveys, product testing, and troubleshooting to help us operate and improve our products and services,” the company said.
Twitter also provided further details as to how users can update their settings to change how their personal data is used.
“Also, your privacy isn’t a game. But we DID make one to help you understand the more complex parts of our privacy policy and how you can take control of your experience on Twitter,” the company said.
The updated policy comes as billionaire Musk is set to take Twitter private and follow through with his vision of freedom of speech and expression within the law on the platform.
Musk on Tuesday suggested he would lift Twitter’s ban on former President Donald Trump, noting that it was a mistake for the company to have suspended his account in early 2021.
“So I guess the answer is … I would reverse the perma-ban” on Trump’s account, Musk said, although the businessman noted that he does not yet own Twitter.
