In what it claims will “improve transparency” across its platform, X will be enforcing stricter rules on “Parody, Commentary, and Fan (PCF)” accounts. Users who engage in these accounts will have to comply with stricter rules starting 10 April.
In reference to parody, commentary and fan (PCF) accounts, X has stated that the owners of these accounts will now have to include PCF-compliant keywords at the beginning of their usernames. For example, words such as “parody”, “fan”, or “fake”, which are now required to be at the front to ensure full visibility.
We’re rolling out updates to improve transparency for Parody, Commentary, and Fan (PCF) accounts on our platform. Starting April 10, all PCF accounts will be required to include PCF-compliant keywords at the beginning of their account names and avoid using identical avatars to…
— Safety (@Safety) April 4, 2025
Additionally, accounts will also have to use different avatars from the profiles they are depicting. In an update to its platform policies back in January, the company stated that AI-generated profile pictures were also no longer allowed. These requirements will also apply to accounts that have the Parody label, with X stating that it will continue to refine the label and provide more details on how it will replace these rules.
According to X, these new regulations will help users “understand the unaffiliated nature of PCF accounts and reduce the risk of confusion or impersonation”. The company has also assured that PCF accounts are allowed, provided it has the purpose of discussion, satirisation, or sharing information.
(Source: X [1], [2], The Star)
Manisha Dharmendra contributed to this article.
