The company hasn't explicitly singled out neo-Nazis and other racists with the rules, but there's no question that they're they ones most likely to be affected by the enforcement. The tougher policies were ultimately prompted by rising concerns that Twitter was enabling violent hate groups, including those behind the deadly Charlottesville march. And many of the potential targets know it. As Recode noted, far-right users are bracing themselves for a "purge."

Will this seriously disrupt hatemongers and abusers? Not necessarily. As we've seen before, these elements tend to retreat to "safe" alternatives like the Dark Web or an anything-goes social site like Gab. If Twitter enforces the rules consistently (which has been a problem), though, it could further isolate these groups and prevent them from harassing and threatening everyday users. It might also reduce complaints that Twitter is doing seemingly everything but removing the corrosive users that drive people away.

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