Twitter last fall introduced a new tag that would allow what it calls “good bots” on its service to identify themselves. While the word “bot” can often have a negative connotation, Twitter noted that it also had helpful bots that automatically posted useful information such as COVID-19 updates, earthquake alerts, bills being introduced in Congress, and more. . These “good bot” tags, which had been in testing with a small group, are now publicly available to all automated account holders.
As during the tests, Twitter accounts that label themselves as bots will display this information on their Twitter profile. Under the account name and @username, a small robot icon appears next to the words “Automated by” followed by the name of the account operator. Meanwhile, Twitter’s bio will detail the bot’s purpose.
When bots tweet, their automated status will also be visible on users’ timelines.
Twitter says this information will help users decide which accounts to follow, engage and trust.
Image credits: I tweet
Account tags were first made available to about 500 Twitter developer accounts in September, who tested the feature and provided feedback, including bots like @earthquakesSF, @vax_progress, @last100bills, @AltTxtReminder, @met_drawings AND @EmojiMashupBot. These accounts represented a range of bot usage, from critical updates to interesting information to entertaining content.
In addition to “good blogs,” many people automate their Twitter accounts in other ways — like using IFTTT integrations to tweet links, for example. But Twitter has been less concerned about that kind of automated posting, he said — noting only that users should investigate any third-party apps they use with their account and make sure they follow Twitter’s rules.
Image credits: I tweet
Bot tags, while useful, don’t necessarily address the biggest problem with bots on the Twitter service.
Bad bots can range from the annoying – like bots that post spam (or promote cryptocurrency schemes!) – to the more disturbing, like bots trying to influence upcoming elections. As an opt-in system, bot owners trying to do good with their creations will be able to add tags and promote themselves as the person behind the account. But bad bots won’t participate.
The feature is available today for automated accounts that use the Twitter API. But Twitter says it has no system audit at this time.
“All Twitter accounts are subject to the Twitter Rules,” a Twitter spokesperson said. “Since the tag is only optional, we will not be auditing accounts that choose to approve it at this time and will rely on our reporting process if an account violates the Rules.”
Twitter will discuss the news further a Space on Twitter at 3 pm PT today organized by The Twitter Security Teamwhich will be followed by a developer demo on TwitterDev’s Twitch channel on Thursday at 11am PT.
