April 30, 2025 — Platform News: X (formerly Twitter) has begun enforcing strict new rules targeting Parody, Commentary, and Fan (PCF) accounts to combat rising concerns over misleading impersonation and inauthentic profiles.
Under the new policy, all PCF accounts must:
- Include a PCF-compliant keyword at the start of their display name
- Clearly state their status as a parody, commentary, or fan account in the bio
- Avoid using the same profile image as the entity they are referencing
Failure to comply with these rules may result in account suspension, as part of a broader crackdown on digital impersonation.
What Prompted the Policy Change?
The move comes after a rise in fake personas and deceptive impersonations across the platform, some of which have gone viral or caused public confusion.
Via the official @Safety handle, X stated:
“PCF accounts must continue using PCF-compliant keywords in profile bios and at the beginning of account names, as well as avoiding the use of identical avatars to those of the entities they depict.”
This enforcement is part of a larger update to the platform’s Authenticity Policy, which aims to reduce user confusion, combat misinformation, and restore trust in identity transparency.
What Is a PCF Account?
PCF stands for Parody, Commentary, and Fan. These accounts are permitted on X only if they do not mislead others into believing they are the real person or organization.
Examples include:
- Parody accounts satirizing public figures
- Fan pages dedicated to celebrities or fictional characters
- Commentary profiles that mimic brands or personas for editorial content
However, all such accounts must now explicitly disclose their nature upfront and not mimic the original profile’s look and feel.
How to Comply with the New PCF Account Rules
To ensure compliance, users must:
- Update the display name to begin with the appropriate label: “Parody,” “Fan,” or “Commentary”
- Include a clear disclaimer in the account bio stating it is not affiliated with the original subject
- Change the avatar/profile image to one that does not match or closely resemble the entity being referenced
- Register the PCF account via Settings:
- Go to Settings and Privacy
- Select Your Account > Account Information
- Choose Parody, Commentary, and Fan Account option
X warns that failure to follow these steps may lead to account restrictions or permanent suspension.
Authenticity Policy: What You Can’t Do
According to X’s updated Authenticity policy:
“You may not use manufactured identities to engage in disruptive or deceptive behaviour. This may include using stock, stolen, or AI-generated profile photos; copied or stolen profile bios; and/or misleading profile information for the purpose of deceiving others.”
This aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce AI misuse, sockpuppeting, and identity deception on the platform.
What Happens to Non-Compliant Accounts?
Accounts that:
- Impersonate others without disclosure
- Use identical images, usernames, or bios
- Fail to apply the PCF label
…will be subject to temporary or permanent suspension. X encourages users to report accounts that appear misleading or non-compliant with the updated PCF rules.
Creator and Community Response
Initial reactions from creators and parody account holders are mixed. While some appreciate the need for clarity and transparency, others feel the rules may limit creativity or satire — especially in cases where parody relies on visual mimicry for effectiveness.
Nonetheless, X maintains that these measures are essential for maintaining platform integrity, especially in an era where AI-generated content is blurring the lines between real and fake identities.
Final Thoughts
With X cracking down on misleading fan and parody accounts, users are being asked to strike a balance between creative expression and clear disclosure. These new PCF rules mark a significant shift in how digital identity and impersonation are regulated on the platform.
As enforcement tightens, users who operate PCF accounts must act quickly to ensure they meet the new requirements — or risk losing access altogether.
