Twitter plans curbs on 'horrific' abuse It's very frustrating. One approach reportedly under consideration is hiding replies from members who are not considered "authoritative" because their profile contains no biographical information and they have few followers. Should Twitter intervene to curb trolling and abuse? The debate over trolling and abuse on Twitter has intensified in recent months. Earlier this year a student was jailed for racially abusing the footballer Fabrice Muamba. Sofia Escobar, a star of The Phantom of the Opera in the West End was, however, widely criticised for claiming a Twitter member who criticised performance her was a bully. The musicals fan had not directed the criticism at Ms Escobar by including her username in the message, but the performer found it and took offence. Mr Costolo's comments appear to mark a shift in Twitter's position. It has previously responded to pressure to censor its service with its maxim that "the tweets must flow."