Elon Musk’s X might soon start blocking links in replies

It looks like X wants to reduce the spam content and combat bots on the platform by preventing users from adding links to replies.

X might soon get an option that prevents users from adding links to replies. (Image Source: Reuters)

To combat bots and reduce spam, Elon Musk-owned microblogging platform X (previously Twitter) is reportedly testing a new feature which will prevent users from sharing links in replies to posts.

In a post on X, independent app researcher Nima Owji, who has previously discovered under-development features on X shared a screenshot of the upcoming functionality. As you would expect, the feature is pretty straightforward and requires users who post on the platform to simply check a box to disable links in their 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

This could be really handy to stop the barrage of spam links which often redirect to adult websites and scams. Soon after, Christopher Stanley, the senior director for security engineering at X confirmed that his team built the feature. However, he did not clarify if the ability to share links in replies will be limited to Premium subscribers or available to everyone.

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Apart from bots, the feature can also come in handy to stop users who often share questionable content on the platform. However, it might also prevent users who want to quote legitimate sources to debunk misinformation and prevent fake news.

A month ago, X announced that it would be making likes private for everyone and was recently spotted working on a YouTube-like dislike button that will allow users to downvote posts and replies.