Why Women (And Many Men) Are Calling For A Day-Long Boycott Of Twitter

New Delhi: Women - and many men - are calling for a 24-hour boycott of Twitter on Friday after American actor Rose McGowan's account was briefly suspended for supposedly violating its terms and policies. Ms McGowan has been mobilising voices on the microblogging platform against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Many participating in the boycott say it's time Twitter start tackling abuse, often targeted disproportionately at women, on its platform.

In addition to tweeting her support for Mr Weinstein's alleged sexual abuse survivors, Ms McGowan has actively been calling out other alleged sexual predators in the industry as well.

Hours ago, in a tweet, the actor accused the producer of rape, an allegation he has flatly denied. Earlier, it had been reported that the former Charmed star had reached an undisclosed settlement with the Hollywood mogul in 1997 after an alleged incident in a hotel room which prevented her from discussing it publicly. 

Twitter addressed the suspension of Ms McGowan's account in a series of tweets, explaining it was the result of Ms McGowan posting someone's private phone number. 
 

We have been in touch with Ms. McGowan's team. We want to explain that her account was temporarily locked because one of her Tweets included a private phone number, which violates our Terms of Service. 1/3

— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) October 12, 2017

But Twitter's explanation angered many who pointed out the company's policies were not consistently enforced across all users.
 

This was @twitter's response when I reported a guy who tweeted 34 consecutive violent death threats #WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/15vVn5KvO5

— tara strong (@tarastrong) October 13, 2017

This led to many women calling for a 24-hour boycott of Twitter.
 

Individuals opting out doesn't seem to make a dent. What if #WomenBoycottTwitter for one day (along with men who stand with us?)

— Kelly Ellis (@justkelly_ok) October 12, 2017

 

I'm not a woman but would gladly join that boycott

— Scott Menor (@smenor) October 12, 2017

 

Men invited too. @rosemcgowan's experience is one that should never be repeated, and if you support that, #womenboycottTwitter Fri Oct 13. https://t.co/n12bDvnm5B

— Heidi N Moore (@moorehn) October 12, 2017

 

#womenboycottTwitter is about
1. Fast enforcement of anti-abuse policies
2. Ways to report multiple abusive accounts
3. Respecting women

— Heidi N Moore (@moorehn) October 13, 2017

The hashtag #WomenBoycottTwitter is currently among the top trends on Twitter. Plenty of celebrities are throwing their weight behind the movement.
 

Ladies. Let's do this. #WomenBoycottTwitter. Not because of hate but because I love this platform and know it can be better.

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) October 13, 2017

 

Ok ok Jesus, let me clear this up. #WomenBoycottTwitter will not silence us, but @Twitter will make much less $$ b/c of fewer clicks. I'm in pic.twitter.com/LPEbKJwpgM

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) October 13, 2017

 

Tomorrow (Friday the 13th) will be the first day in over 10 years that I won't tweet. Join me. #WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/xoEt5Bwj5s

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 13, 2017

 

Tomorrow I follow the Women.  #WomenBoycottTwitter

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 13, 2017

In India, among those prominently supporting the boycott is former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
 

In support of all those ladies who are boycotting @twitter for 24 hours for a better anti-harassment policy. I'll be back tomorrow.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 13, 2017

Whether the growing movement forces Twitter to rethink the way it applies its harassment and safety policies remains to be seen.