Twitter 'Good Bots' Label: New Identification System

Twitter Introduces Account Labels for Automated Bots

Twitter is now implementing a new feature enabling accounts to designate themselves as bots through a profile label.

This functionality aims to assist users in distinguishing between automated accounts – such as those sharing news, public service announcements, or updates – and accounts managed by individuals.

Distinguishing Between "Good" and "Bad" Bots

It's important to note that this feature isn't intended to identify malicious bots.

These "bad bots" often masquerade as real people to disseminate misinformation or spam.

A Long-Considered Initiative

The concept of labeling bots has been under consideration by the company for several years.

In 2018, then-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey acknowledged the need for greater transparency regarding bot accounts during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing.

Previous Discussions and Verification System

Dorsey agreed that users should be informed when interacting with a bot rather than a human.

He indicated Twitter was exploring ways to identify bots, particularly those utilizing scripting to mimic human behavior.

Last year, Twitter confirmed plans to introduce features allowing users to differentiate between human-operated and automated accounts.

The launch of the account verification system in May included a reminder of forthcoming methods for identifying account types, including bot labels.

Initial Rollout and Testing Phase

The new “Automated Account” label will initially be available to over 500 Developer Accounts.

This group will participate in testing and provide feedback before a wider release to all Twitter developers.

Currently, adoption of the label is optional during this testing period.

Compliance with Developer Policy

Twitter updated its Developer Policy last year, requesting developers to indicate bot status in their profile or bio.

These labels offer a simpler method for developers to comply with this policy than manually adding the information.

The company may eventually require the label for all automated accounts once it’s broadly available, based on the results of this experiment.

Acknowledging the Value of "Good" Bots

Twitter recognizes the benefits of automated accounts that provide helpful, relevant, or entertaining information.

The company highlighted several favored bots, including @earthquakesSF for public service alerts, @vax_progress for COVID-19 updates, and @last100bills for tracking congressional legislation.

Other examples include @AltTxtReminder for accessibility and creative bots like @met_drawings and @EmojiMashupBot.

These accounts are included in the initial test group.

User Automation and Third-Party Tools

Twitter is also less focused on how users automate their own accounts using tools like IFTTT.

Users remain responsible for all actions taken with their accounts and associated applications.

Twitter advises users to thoroughly investigate any third-party application before granting access.

Automated accounts must still adhere to Twitter’s established guidelines.

Recent Feature Rollouts

Twitter has been actively releasing new features recently.

Recent additions include Communities, emoji reactions, support for full-width media, and a “soft block” option.

Timeline for Broader Implementation

Twitter has not yet announced a specific timeframe for the wider rollout of the Automated Account labels.