A Twitter spokesperson tells us that it restored Spencer's account because it allows people to reinstate one account when they've been banned for creating "multiple accounts with overlapping uses." Notably, it also points to a BuzzFeed reporter's tweet arguing that Spencer isn't abusive on Twitter like many of those who share his racist beliefs. He's unlikely to get his wish of reinstating other accounts, however. Twitter has shared the email it sent to Spencer, and it's adamant that his extra accounts "will remain suspended." You can read both statements below.

While this helps clarify what prompted Twitter to ban Spencer and why he's back, it's not going to make people happy. Many had assumed that Twitter was banning Spencer and his organizations based on his hateful ideas and ability to foster abuse by proxy, not because he had multiple accounts. The move isn't going to please users (or potential buyers) concerned that Twitter isn't doing enough to curb systemic harassment that scares some away from the service.

"Our rules explicitly prohibit creating multiple accounts with overlapping uses. When we temporarily suspend multiple accounts for this violation, the account owner can designate one account for reinstatement."

Email to Spencer: