Twitter users need to anticipate a drop in followers, as the social media giant begins getting rid of locked accounts..

The move is part of an effort to delete suspicious and inactive accounts which are believed to number in the millions.

The site stated many users will just see their follower count visit four or less, however those with larger followings might notice a more significant drop.

Accounts can become locked when the site detects suspicious activity, such as tweeting a large quantity of unsolicited replies or mentions.

This prevents the user from logging in to their account and posting on the website – although accounts can be unlocked if they are verified by the owner of the account.

Recently Twitter faced backlash when a number of individuals were locked out of their accounts as they had signed up with prior to the age of 13, even if they were now older, due to European personal privacy laws.

The website has actually been under pressure to crack down on harmful material after criticism of the policing of its platform.

Twitter spokesperson Vijaya Gadde said accounts are locked when the firm notifications “sudden changes in account behaviour” and that they remain locked till Twitter can “verify that whatever is OK”.

The business has actually stressed that locked accounts differ from spam or bots, as the previous accounts are usually developed by real people.