Twitter launches Birdwatch, a program designed to combat misinformation
In recent years, Twitter has tested a number of systems to check the veracity of tweets. For the most part, however, they related only to accounts viewed by millions of people or to popular and mostly contradictory topics. Now he wants to Twitter to add context a tweet tags. He intends to do so using a system called Birdwatch. Twitter launches Birdwatch like rapid data verification systemwhich is fully based on the social networking community.
Users will be able to react quickly when disinformation begins to spread. They will be able to add a context to which twets in general are more trusted. Currently, this context will be available on a dedicated Birdwatch page, but the ultimate goal is make these notes available directly on Twitter.
🐦 Today we’re introducing @Birdwatch, a community-driven approach to addressing misleading information. And we want your help. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/aYJILZ7iKB
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) January 25, 2021
Twitter launches Birdwatch for several reasons. The main reason is said to be that people appreciate context rather than labels that say “true / false”. Twitter says the feature yet tested with 100 userswho were across the political spectrum and everyone was happy with the system.
The social network claims that all data about Birdwatch will be publicly available and can be download. The system and its design are currently in initially. A separate page is intended only to get the system up and running. According to the company, it is contemporary system consciously simpler and Twitter intends to use it only for a short time to run the program.
At first glance, the idea that Twitter runs Birdwatch for all users may seem quite illogical. This is because misinformation can be managed by the same group of users that is potentially spreading fake news. Twitter says it’s Birdwatch for now in the early stages and is open to change and development.
