Talking to the FT this week, Dick Costolo, Twitter’s chief executive, became visibly emotional as he described his frustration in tackling the problem of “horrifying” abuse while maintaining the company’s mantra that “tweets must flow”.
One technical approach Twitter is considering would hide from users’ page of replies any tweets directed at them by individuals who are not seen as “authoritative”, because they have no followers, no biographical information and no profile picture.
But the company’s management is also painfully aware that this could diminish open exchange on the site and undermine Twitter’s long-held commitment to free speech.
People may also as a result miss the “beautiful serendipity” of a fan who joins Twitter just to show their support for a sportsperson or celebrity, Mr Costolo said.
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