New Twitter Feature On iOS Allows Users To Limit Replies To Their Tweets

After testings in May, Twitter has rolled out a new feature for its iOS app that will allow users to control who is able to reply to their tweets.

“In May, we tested a new way to have a chat with exactly who you want, so you can create and consume more meaningful changes,” the update text explains. “Now, everyone can try this new feature and choose who can reply to their tweets.”

The new feature will offer three levels of privacy for each tweet sent by a user, which can be chosen every time a tweet is composed. The options include allowing everyone to reply, allowing people the user follows to reply, and allowing only who they choose to reply with mentions. Choosing an option for one tweet will not be carried over as a default for future tweets.

The feature seems to have been developed in response to the common criticism made against the platform over the years that it was too easy for users to be harassed. By allowing users to limit replies, this would alleviate this issue, but, as noted by the Verge, it might also be abused by some people to stifle the kind of conversation that Twitter encourages.

The feature remains exclusive to the iOS version of the Twitter app for now. The company has not spoken about plans to make it available on Android and web platforms moving forward.