In August of last year, Twitter launched the feature.
On Monday, Twitter announced that it will expand a test tool that allows users to report deceptive content on its social media platform to Brazil, Spain, and the Philippines. The function was first tested in August of last year as part of the company’s effort to combat disinformation on its platform. It was initially put to the test in the US, Australia, and South Korea.
Twitter says it has received about 3 million reports from users who have used it to identify tweets that they believe are in violation of company regulations since it was initially unveiled. Last year, the social media behemoth debuted a new service called Birdwatch, which allows users to leave notes and offer context to false tweets, though the notes are anonymous.
To begin, some users in the United States, South Korea, and Australia saw a button that said “it’s deceptive” after they clicked “report tweet.” Users could then be more explicit, labeling the false tweet as including “health,” “politics,” or “other” disinformation. “We’re testing a tool that allows you to report Tweets that appear to be deceptive – as you see them,” the social network said in a tweet announcing the service in August of last year.
“We’re testing if this is a viable strategy, so we’re starting small.” We may not be able to respond to every report in the trial, but your feedback will help us identify trends so that we can enhance the timeliness and scope of our larger anti-misinformation efforts.”
Critics routinely criticize social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, claiming that corporations do not do enough to combat the spread of disinformation.
