Twitter tests ‘reply moderation’ feature for threads

Security researcher Jane Manchun Wong discovered a yet-to-be-launched feature on Twitter that some are referring to as a “double-edged sword.” The social network is testing out a “replies moderation” tool, which lets you hide replies under your tweets. At the same time, it provides the option to show the hidden replies to other users. One Twitter user who replied to Wong said this move could spread disinformation while creating a bias. Wong replied in Twitter’s defense that in cases when people in power do hide tweets, it would be another way for people to “call them out.” But as another user points out, “user lazyness” might prevent people from seeing these hidden replies.

As The Next Web points out, this does seem like users are being given the responsibility to moderate their own content instead of Twitter controlling what happens on its platform. The social network is under a lot of pressure to clean up its service, and if used properly, hiding unsavory content might help create a safer environment for its users. But as mentioned, it could backfire and spread misinformation and create a bias.