Twitter is taking yet another step to curtail the spread of misinformation surrounding the 2020 US presidential election. The platform will now post messages at the top of users’ timelines to preemptively debunk false information about the election.
Twitter Wants You to Know the Truth
In a Tweet, Twitter Support debuted the new notifications that will appear at the top of US users’ timelines, as well as on the search page.
#Election2020 is unlike any other in US history. With so many more people voting by mail and potentially delayed results, starting today, we’ll show you prompts in your Home timeline and Search to help you stay informed on these critical topics. pic.twitter.com/OAtbnoa70W
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) October 26, 2020
Twitter notes that the 2020 election is “unlike any other in US history.” As more people are turning to mail-in ballots to cast their votes, more rumors have surfaced surrounding the integrity of this voting method. Not to mention that these votes will take longer to count, likely delaying election results.
To clear up any misconceptions about election results and the safety of mail-in voting, Twitter has created informative notifications to steer users in the right direction. According to Twitter, the platform wants these messages “to help you stay informed on these critical topics.”
One message reads, “you may encounter misinformation about voting by mail,” and goes on to explain that “election experts confirm that voting by mail is safe and secure.” Meanwhile, the other message notes that “election results may be delayed,” and then states that “you could encounter unconfirmed claims that a candidate has won their race.”
Clicking the Find Out More button on either message will direct you to an accompanying Twitter Moment with more information.
Twitter has taken a tough stance on misinformation, especially when it comes to politics and voting. The platform has been gradually building upon its arsenal of tools to prevent the spread of false information ahead of the election.
After all, Twitter has already created an election information hub, giving users access to credible election information. The platform has even gone so far as to discourage Retweets, and will even prompt you to read articles before Retweeting them.
Can Twitter Put a Lid on False Information?
Twitter has rolled out a number of powerful tools to prevent misinformation from going viral. While these measures are being rolled out specifically for election, you have to wonder if Twitter will implement these features again in the future.
It’s highly likely that Twitter will keep these tools in its back pocket, and will have them ready for any high-risk situation in the near future.
With Election Day around the corner, social media will be put to the test. Twitter and Facebook have both pledged to put a stop to election rumors, but that doesn’t change the fact that fake news and rumors will always be present on the web.
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