Social Media Platform X Working On New Feature To Block Links In Replies

The social media platform X is developing a new tool to allow users to block links in replies to their posts in an attempt to reduce spam content and stop the spread of misinformation.

According to Engadget, the independent app researcher Nima Owji was the first reliable source to report the new update last Friday. Owji shared a post with an image announcing the new feature: “X is working on the ability to let you disable links in the replies of your posts!”

X is working on the ability to let you disable links in the replies of your posts! pic.twitter.com/dddP0a8l5w

— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) July 19, 2024

As shown in the image shared by Owji—who has also discovered other new features on the platform—, X users will be able to tick a box in case they don’t want other accounts to reply to the post with links. Besides spam and unwanted links, the feature could also prevent people from promoting personal websites or including information sources.

Many users replied to Owji with positive opinions. “It will help a lot to reduce spam bots,” said one user. “That’s great! Let’s keep the conversation on X, not some other site that no one ever goes to,” added another. Multiple doubts and questions like whether this applies to links within the platform—like linking to other users or older posts—or if video links will also be impacted. Some users also wondered if this feature would truly be helpful or not.

No official information has been shared by X, but the Senior Director for Security Engineering at X, Christopher Stanley, confirmed that the feature shared by Owji was built by his team.

Just a few days ago, X also began testing a dislike button for replies, similar to other platforms like Reddit. The social media network is working on multiple alternatives to reduce spam and unwanted messages, commonly found on popular posts.