Twitter has become an integral part of our digital lives, with millions of users worldwide relying on the platform to express themselves, connect with others, and stay updated on the latest news and trends.
The social media giant is constantly evolving, and it seems like there’s always a new update or feature in the works.
Recently, Twitter unveiled yet another update, this time introducing a new feature that displays the total number of accounts a user subscribes to directly under their profile.
Twitter for Web displays accounts you subscribe to on profile
While this addition may seem innocuous to some, it has sparked a significant debate among users, with concerns raised about privacy implications and a desire for the ability to disable or turn off this feature (1,2,3,4).
This new attribute, which prominently displays the number of accounts a user subscribes to, is aimed at providing transparency and insight into a user’s paid-for engagement on the platform.
It offers a quick glimpse into the extent of someone’s Twitter network and potentially adds a new layer of context to their online presence.
However, not everyone is pleased with this development. Some users have voiced concerns about the potential invasion of privacy that comes with publicly showcasing details of their subscriptions.
Additionally, users who prefer to keep their Twitter activity private or maintain a low profile may feel uncomfortable with this new display of information.
This feels wrong.. Public should not be able to view this..
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As far as we can tell, there does not appear to be a way for users to turn this display off. Hopefully this is added soon for privacy purposes (it is already possible to hide Subscription badges).
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Furthermore, concerns about user safety and security have also been raised. By publicly displaying one’s subscriptions, it becomes easier for malicious actors to target individuals based on their interests or affiliations.
This feature potentially provides valuable information to those seeking to exploit or harm others.
While this feature is now only accessible on Twitter for Web, a user says it is also available on iOS:
On IOS, to check which account a user is subscribed to are mentioned in the tweet below
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Given the outcry from concerned users, some are calling for Twitter to introduce an option to disable or turn off this feature.
This would allow users to have more control over their privacy and decide whether they want this information to be publicly visible or not.
It would also demonstrate Twitter’s commitment to allow individuals to shape their online identities in a way that aligns with their personal values.
Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Twitter section, so be sure to follow them as well.
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