Twitter turns to algorithms to tackle trolls and hide abusive content

Egg accounts should be hidden

Twitter has announced plans to use new algorithms to silence trolls and make it easier for users to filter out abusive content.

It comes just a few weeks after Twitter announced a 'three-step plan' to tackle trolls that included an easier way for user filter "abusive and low-quality replies" from users' timelines by default, a ban on suspended users from creating new accounts, and a new 'safe search' feature which the firm claims will remove offensive tweets - along with tweets from blocked and muted accounts - from a users timeline.

On Wednesday, the firm announced it's expanding on these efforts, and will now look to algorithms to more actively identify accounts that spread abusive content.

"We're working to identify accounts as they're engaging in abusive behaviour, even if this behaviour hasn't been reported to us," Twitter said in a blog post.

Once the firm's algorithm has identified somebody being a twonk, Twitter will put this user in "time out", after which it will consider taking further action.

"We're taking action by limiting certain account functionality for a set amount of time, such as allowing only their followers to see their Tweets. For example, this change could come into effect if an account is repeatedly Tweeting without solicitation at non-followers or engaging in patterns of abusive behaviour that is in violation of the Twitter Rules.

"Our platform supports the freedom to share any viewpoint, but if an account continues to repeatedly violate the Twitter Rules, we will consider taking further action."

In addition, the company on Wednesday announced plans to roll out expanded filtering tools that will let you filter your notifications to hide those which may be from certain accounts, such as those without a profile photo, or without verified email addresses or phone numbers.

The firm also plans to also improve its mute feature, saying: "Now, you'll be able to mute from your home timeline and you can decide how long this content is muted - one day, one week, one month, or indefinitely."