Twitter user mdy spotted a new Twitter Help page called 4.6 Following and Update Limits. The specifics of these new limits are intentionally vague but it’s clear that they are targeted directly to spammers who mass-follow other Twitter users in a short amount of time or blast out updates every few seconds.

I think this is great news. Matt Cutts (Google) recently spoke about anti-spam measures at the Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco. He says that one of the best countermeasures against spammers is to frustrate them and cost them time. This latest move by Twitter is sure to do that. But like any anti-spam technique there are sure to be some false positives. If you feel like you have been unfairly shackled with these new limits you can contact Twitter support and plead your case.

Here is the complete text of the new Help page as of June 8, 2008:

4.6. Following and Update Limits

It is possible to get into a state with your Twitter account where you are not able to perform some action (at least for some period of time) because you’ve hit a limit. There are multiple types of Twitter system limits, ranging from the number of updates in a given time period to the number of requests to follow other accounts. There may be other types of limits in the future.

Why do these limits exist?

Twitter has always embraced the idea that constraint inspires creativity. The service has thrived because of limits–most notably, that of 140 characters per update. In general, we encourage experimenting with new uses for Twitter. However, without system limitations in place it becomes possible for some activities to place excessive strain on the system to the detriment of others.

What are the limits, specifically?

The limits are based on multiple parameters–not a single metric. Because the limits are in part meant to curtail nefarious behavior, we are not revealing the specifics of how they are reached. Please note that these limits are sure to change as we figure out what works. We’ve taken a best guess to get started, but Twitter is still evolving and new uses are being invented all the time.

How will I be affected?

The good news is, it’s highly unlikely you will be affected. The limits were designed to not affect the vast majority of people. If you got to this page from somewhere other than a message in Twitter that says you hit a limit, chances are you’ll never have to think about it again. On the flip side, you probably will be effected (unbeknownst to you) in positive ways by having a better-working Twitter.

Did you reach the limit in error?

If you think you’re hitting the limits unfairly or you have a legitimate need to go over please contact Twitter support and explain your situation.