Twitter updated its terms of service, which seems to give mixed messages about what the social networking site will or won’t do and what users can or can’t do when it comes to tweeting.
In particular, Twitter wanted to leave no doubt that the short messages that people post on their profiles will always be their own, even though the San Francisco-based company eventually may try to profit from the “tweets” by allowing ads on the service.
Twitters terms state the company could tie advertisements to content or information on the services, in queries made through the services, or other information. Twitter will grant people access to the service, but using it means Twitter or third-party providers and partners can target ads.
Regarding APIs, Stone said that apps built around Twitter’s platform are “flourishing and adding value to the ecosystem.” Rules governing apps however, are a bit iffy. In the new TOS, Stone said Twitter is “working on API guidelines,” and sends readers to a “draft” of rules.
While the tens of millions using Twitter as a communications tool apparently don’t have to worry about losing control of their tweets, they may have to get used to seeing ads amid all the chatter.
The new TOS just underscores that statement and leaves the door open for allowing paid corporate Twitter Pro customers to use the service as an engine for targeted advertising. Seems like a small price to pay (literally) as long as the advertising isn’t so pervasive that it blurs the line between marketing and spam.