Twitter unveils new tools for reporting content around misleading voters

Twitter has announced an expansion of its reporting feature to allow users to specifically flag content that is misleading about voting or elections.

In an attempt to cut down on misinformation and attempts at interfering in elections online, the feature will be introduced for the European Parliament elections in May as well as India’s ongoing Lok Sabha general election.

Twitter said posts that include misleading information about how to vote or register to vote, the requirements to vote and the date and time of an election can be specifically reported and would be considered to be in violation of the site’s policies.

The company confirmed the feature would be introduced to other countries holding elections throughout the year.

“Voting is a fundamental human right and the public conversation occurring on Twitter is never more important than during elections,” a Twitter blog post announcing the update said.

“Any attempts to undermine the process of registering to vote or engaging in the electoral process is contrary to our company’s core values.”

On Tuesday, Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey met Donald Trump after the US president had attacked the platform and wider social media, claiming it was biased against conservatives.

Twitter described the meeting as constructive and said it came at the president’s invitation.

“They discussed Twitter’s commitment to protecting the health of the public conversation ahead of the 2020 US elections and efforts under way to respond to the opioid crisis,” the company said.