Twitter has announced plans to allow users to hide replies on tweets.
The social network has been implementing a whole host of new features in recent months after launching a new beta testing app, allowing select Twitter users to test new features and ideas before a public release.
Twitter confirmed earlier today that it would be introducing a Hide Replies button in June, giving users more control over their profile and allowing them to moderate conversations on the platform.
The new feature will likely be considered controversial, however, as the original poster can control which tweets are hidden in a thread, which could have a negative impact on free speech on the social network.
Experimental feature
Twitter added that the new feature would be experimental, meaning it could be removed or changed in the coming years, depending on how users interact with the feature.
The social network added that hidden responses could still be viewed using a menu option.
It’s the latest in a number of changes to the social network to limit abuse and hate speech.
According to the company, 100,000 users were suspended for creating new accounts after a suspension during January-March 2019, a 45% increase from the same time last year.
“We’ll continue to improve our technology to help us review content that breaks our rules faster and before it’s reported, specifically those who Tweet private information, threats, and other types of abuse,” the company said.
“We’ll make it easier for people who use Twitter to share specifics when reporting so we can take action faster, especially when it comes to protecting people’s physical safety.
“Context on Tweets and our enforcement is important in understanding our rules, so we’ll add more notices within Twitter for clarity, such as if a Tweet breaks our rules but remains on the service because the content is in the public interest.”
Twitter added that it was introducing a new set of rules in the coming weeks, which would be shorter and easier to understand.
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