This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
Twitter has announced plans to delete thousands of inactive accounts, starting from December 11, in an effort to present more accurate information to its users.
According to a spokesperson, Twitter will begin removing inactive accounts from December 11, with the goal of cleaning up the platform and presenting more accurate, credible information.
Users who have not logged into their accounts in over six months will receive an email warning them that their accounts may be permanently removed due to prolonged inactivity.
However, users can save their accounts by simply signing in before the deadline.
Following the cull, several usernames will become available again, so users who have been desperate to change their handle can check again then.
The news has raised concerns among users about what will happen to Twitter accounts belonging to people who have died. While rival Facebook currently offers a 'memorialisation' option that freezes accounts in place, Twitter does not currently have this option.
Users have taken to Twitter to express their concerns, with one user tweeting: 'Please @Twitter don't remove the accounts that are inactive due to the owners passing away. There are precious memories there that we would like to remember and that give us comfort each day. Please look into this with a heart of empathy and compassion, thank you.'
It remains unclear whether Twitter has plans to introduce a solution in the next few days.
