In an unexpected turn of events, Twitter has quietly removed the mandatory login requirement for viewing tweets, enabling users to access Twitter links in a browser without the need for an account. This significant alteration comes just days after the social media giant implemented the measure, and it appears to be a response to the growing issue of data scraping.
The decision to enforce the login requirement initially stemmed from concerns over data security and the unauthorized collection of user information. Twitter CEO Elon Musk referred to the measure as a “temporary emergency measure” aimed at combating extensive data pillaging, which had been causing service degradation for regular users.
Notably, TechCrunch recently observed that tweet previews are now unfurling within popular messaging platforms such as Slack and WhatsApp. Additionally, Engadget reported that Twitter previews have become visible on iMessage as well. These developments indicate that Twitter’s latest change extends beyond its own platform, potentially improving the accessibility of Twitter content across various applications and services.
While Twitter has yet to issue an official statement regarding this reversal, it is believed that the company has implemented undisclosed measures to address the issue of data scraping. By allowing users to view links without logging in, Twitter aims to strike a delicate balance between safeguarding user data and ensuring a seamless browsing experience for all.
Interestingly, Twitter’s decision to remove login restrictions comes just one day before the anticipated launch of Meta’s text-based app called Threads. Coincidentally, Threads also briefly permitted users to view posts on the web without requiring an account before subsequently revoking this capability. It is expected that with the official launch of the Threads app, individuals will once again be able to view posts without needing an account.
In an additional effort to combat data scraping, Elon Musk, the renowned CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has imposed post reading limits on Twitter. Unverified users are now limited to reading a maximum of 1,000 posts per day, while verified users enjoy an allowance of up to 10,000 posts per day. Twitter asserts that this change has only affected a small percentage of users, and its impact on advertising has been minimal.
