Twitter surprised users by changing the settings for direct messages without prior notice. The changes now specify that only “verified users” and accounts that are followed can send direct messages. Previously set preferences, such as allowing only users you follow to contact you, have been reset and users have to adjust their settings again. While this change can be helpful for support accounts, companies, and journalists, it limits the ability to receive messages from new accounts. Messages from unknown contacts now get redirected to the “Message requests” folder, requiring approval before being able to respond. The changes aim to combat unwanted advertising and spam, but Twitter’s help page does not mention the new rights for verified users to send messages to everyone.
Twitter has been facing challenges with an increasing number of bots on the platform. These automated accounts primarily spread spam, but little has been done to address the issue since Elon Musk took over in October 2022. Reports have shown an uptick in unwanted DMs containing spam, including offers related to pornography and cryptocurrencies. Musk has claimed that spam and bots have been reduced by 90% since his acquisition, but TechCrunch views the change in DM settings as an admission that Twitter still struggles with bots and spam. The new settings aim to make spam more expensive to spread if it cannot be effectively contained.
The change in DM settings poses potential issues as accounts that intentionally keep their DMs open are now vulnerable to harassment from paying users. Additionally, the ability to contact users directly and privately, such as for research purposes, has been restricted by default. Many users overlook the message requests folder, similar to spam folders in other services, leading to missed messages. Therefore, it is important for users to check and adjust their settings accordingly. The options now include receiving messages only from followed users, followed and verified users, or messages from everyone, with the second option set as the default. It raises concerns that a setting affecting privacy can be changed for all users without their consent.
