Twitter has been experimenting with a new feature since May to allow users to limit replies to their tweets. The social media company updated its iOS app on Wednesday and said that the app would now let all users limit who can reply to their tweets and that the feature will be rolling out widely.
However, it turned out that the news about the new update was incorrect, as confirmed by a Twitter spokesperson who told The Verge that the feature is not widely rolling out for now and the misconception was due to some 'accidentally pushed release notes'.
The update text for Twitter's iOS app read “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. Now, everyone can try this new feature and choose who can reply to their tweets.”
So users' ability to limit replies on their tweets is not currently available to everyone and apparently the feature is still undergoing testing before Twitter rolls it out to a greater population.
If someone has access to the feature, it can be used by tapping the box above the keyboard when composing a tweet that says 'everyone can reply'. Three options will be displayed for allowing who can reply: everyone, only people you follow, and only people you mention. One can then choose one of the three options.
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It looks like the new feature is going to be, by far, the most interesting one that Twitter would be rolling out. It could be used as an effective way to avoid harassment, negative or hateful comments.
