Twitter adds misinformation warning for US users ahead of election

CALIFORNIA: Twitter has started pinning a warning about misinformation at the top of all of its US users’ timelines, ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. The notices relate to the topics of mailin voting and the possibility that the 2020 election results could be delayed. “You might encounter misleading information about voting by mail,” reads one prompt, with another that says, “Election results might be delayed”. The links direct users to “a Twitter Moments [page] that provides more context and compiles the latest credible information on the topic from election experts, journalists and other authoritative news sources”, Twitter said in press release. “#Election2020 is unlike any other in US history. With so many more people voting by mail and potentially delayed results, starting today, we’ll show you prompts in your Home timeline and Search to help you stay informed on these critical topics,” the social media platform said, announcing the new feature. “Election experts confirm that voting by mail is safe and secure, even with an increase in mailin ballots,” the full voting by mail notice reads. “Even so, you might encounter unconfirmed claims that voting by mail leads to election fraud, ahead of the 2020 US elections.” The delayed results message says: “With the increase in voting by mail, there might be a delay in the announcement of election results. This means you could encounter unconfirmed claims that a candidate has won their race.” The prompts will be available in 42 languages and will be visible to all Twitter users with an account based in the US.