Twitter said it has started testing a new way to combat misinformation on its platform. Called Birdwatch, the function allows users to post contextual comments on tweets they consider misleading.
In the first phase of the pilot starting in the US, the notes will only be visible on a separate Birdwatch site. On this site, pilot participants can also rate the helpfulness of notes added by other contributors. These notes are being intentionally kept separate from Twitter to start, in order to ensure the service gains trust and is considered helpful and appropriate. The notes will not have any effect on the way people see Tweets or recommendations.
Twitter said it had conducted interviews with over 100 people about Birdwatch and most found it appealing. They appreciate having the 'community' provide the information rather than Twitter or another central authority intervening. The comments also allow for extra context, rather than just labeling a tweet 'true' or 'false'.
During the pilot, the company will work on developing algorithms to power Birdwatch, such as reputation and consensus systems to validate the comments. That code will be published publicly in the Birdwatch Guide. The initial ranking system for Birdwatch is already available on its site.
