Twitter tests new feature prompting users to read articles before sharing

Twitter has been tightening its policies in recent years amid criticism that its hands-off approach had allowed abuse

Twitter Inc on Wednesday said it was testing a new feature on Android devices that prompts users to open articles before sharing them.

The social media company has been tightening its policies in recent years amid criticism that its hands-off approach had allowed abuse, fake accounts and misinformation to thrive on its platform.



"Sharing an article can spark conversation, so you may want to read it before you Tweet it. To help promote informed discussion, we're testing a new prompt on Android – when you Retweet an article that you haven't opened on Twitter, we may ask if you'd like to open it first," Twitter tweeted.

Sharing an article can spark conversation, so you may want to read it before you Tweet it.

To help promote informed discussion, we're testing a new prompt on Android –– when you Retweet an article that you haven't opened on Twitter, we may ask if you'd like to open it first.

— Support (@Support) June 10, 2020

In May, Twitter prompted readers to check the facts in tweets sent by US President Donald Trump, warning that his claims about mail-in ballots were false and had been debunked by fact checkers.