20 May 2020

Twitter starts testing new controls allowing users to limit who can reply

20 May 2020

Twitter has started testing a new feature allowing users to control who can reply to their tweets.

The social network first mooted the idea at the beginning of the year as a way to make individuals “feel safe and comfortable” using the platform.

A limited group of people globally will be able to test the feature, though all users will be able to see these conversations.

The controls mean people can choose one of three options before tweeting, either everyone – the standard and default Twitter setting used currently – only people you follow or only people you mention.

A label will appear for the two new options, with the reply icon greyed out so that people can see they are not able to reply.

However, those who are not able to reply directly to a tweet will still be able to retweet, retweet with comment, and like controlled tweets.

“Being able to participate and understand what’s happening is key for useful public conversation,” said Suzanne Xie, Twitter’s director of product management.

“So, we’re exploring how we can improve these settings to give people more opportunities to weigh in while still giving people control over the conversations they start.”

Some users expressed concern when the idea was first revealed in January, saying they feared it would give public figures such as Donald Trump the power to hide replies and avoid public scrutiny.

“This is basically allowing people to spread misinformations and hide the truth without the fear of someone correcting them,” one user tweeted regarding Wednesday’s test announcement.

“Worst idea I’ve ever seen.”

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