X recently announced an expansion to its Community Notes feature, allowing users to request a note on posts that they believe contain questionable claims. This new option, labeled “Request Community Note,” can be found in the post menu on desktop, giving users the ability to flag posts for checking by Community Notes contributors.
X stated that users can request a Community Note on a post they believe would benefit from one. If enough requests are made, Community Notes contributors will receive an alert and can choose to propose a note. This system aims to engage users in the moderation process and give contributors insights into where notes may be needed. While this could be a positive step towards dispelling misinformation on the platform, it ultimately relies on users actively seeking out notes.
In order to request a Community Note, users must have a verified phone number attached to their profile, a requirement also present for X Premium subscriptions. Initially, accounts are limited to submitting up to five requests per day, with the possibility of this limit being increased based on the impact of requests on note quality.
Community Notes, initially developed under Twitter as “Birdwatch,” has been lauded as a valuable tool in combating misinformation. Elon Musk’s promotion of Community Notes following his takeover of X has highlighted its importance in content moderation. However, concerns arise from X’s heavy reliance on this system after significant staff cuts in content moderation and safety.
Research suggests that Community Notes alone may not be sufficient to address X’s content detection and clarification needs. Allowing misinformation to propagate unchecked could have serious consequences, especially with the upcoming U.S. election. While Community Notes offer value, they may not be the comprehensive solution needed to tackle misinformation on the platform.
As X moves forward with Community Notes as a key tool in moderation, the effectiveness of this system will be tested during the election period and beyond. Despite its potential, questions remain about whether Community Notes can adequately handle the diverse range of moderation requirements at X. The company’s decision to rely on crowd-sourced fact-checking and feedback raises concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform.
While X’s expansion of the Community Notes option is a positive step towards combatting misinformation, it may not be enough to address the platform’s content moderation needs. As the company navigates through the upcoming election and tackles the challenges of misinformation, the effectiveness of Community Notes will be closely monitored. Ultimately, a multifaceted approach to content moderation may be necessary to ensure the integrity of information on the platform.