Twitter Is Testing New Misinformation Labels On Tweets

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Twitter is testing a new labeling feature to try to stop the spread of misinformation on its platform.

As one of the best platforms for newsgathering, Twitter is also filled with misinformation. Over the years, it has worked hard to curb the spread of misinformation, but this effort will probably have no end.

Now, according to reverse engineering expert Jane Manchun Wong, Twitter is starting to test a new feature to limit the spread of misleading and false content.

The test involves a new labeling system that alerts a user about more recent updates regarding the topics within a tweet. Similar to labeling systems on other platforms like Facebook, these alerts also lead to more authoritative resources on these topics.

Twitter is working on three levels of misinformation warning labels:
“Get the latest”, “Stay Informed” and “Misleading” pic.twitter.com/0RdmMsRAEk
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) May 31, 2021

There will be at least three new misinformation labels triggered by different specific keywords with a tweet:

‘Get the Latest’ – A label used on more time-sensitive topics as events evolve. This would appear for keywords like ‘elections’ or ‘polls’ giving users the ability to connect with the latest information from official sources.

‘Stay informed’ – Another one that could be used with evolving situations, and better suited for news related to things like COVID-19. As above, this label also connects users with authorities who can give better definitive answers about a topic.

‘Misleading’ – This label will flag any blatant tweets that contain questionable claims, and give users a link to authoritative information.

Twitter is testing a new labeling feature to try to stop the spread of misinformation on its platform.

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This new feature doesn’t seem to be a replacement for Twitter’s current fact-checking, so it’s highly likely that the platform’s moderation teams and third-party fact-checkers would be involved.

We have no confirmation from Twitter yet but will get back when we do; and when we have more information about this new feature.

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

#Jane Manchun Wong #Misinformation #Twitter