[LukeB]

Twitter will punish users for "hateful" abuse, including homophobic, racist and transphobic tweets.

The social media website has clarified its Twitter Rules, which prohibit anyone from "inciting harm towards others" in such a way.

"You may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease," it reads.

Twitter's Megan Cristina added in a blog post: "The updated language emphasises that Twitter will not tolerate behaviour intended to harass, intimidate or use fear to silence another user's voice.

"As always, we embrace and encourage diverse opinions and beliefs - but we will continue to take action on accounts that cross the line into abuse."

Twitter recently introduced anti-troll measures, including phone verification to force users to identify themselves online.

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