X is developing a new feature that could help combat spam posts on the website. According to Nima Owji, an independent app researcher who has spotted several unannounced features for X in the past, the platform formerly known as Twitter is working on a feature to disable links in replies. According to an image posted by Owji, users can check a box for this option if they don’t want to be replied to with a link to their post.
Christopher Stanley, senior director of security engineering at X, confirmed the feature’s existence in a response to a post about it. “This is something my team built,” Stanley said in response. The feature not only keeps spambots at bay, but it can also prevent real human users from promoting their own websites in other people’s posts. However, it can also prevent users from posting links to legitimate sources if they’re trying to debunk misinformation or prevent fake news from spreading further.
Ouji previously discovered that X was experimenting with an in-app currency to help creators monetize the platform. Months after a spoofing incident on its website, he discovered that the company was also working on a new identity verification feature. He also discovered that the company was looking to take on LinkedIn by offering job listings to verified organizations.