Twitter test lets users limit who can reply to their tweets

Twitter is now testing the feature that will allow users to place limits on who can reply to their tweets. The change, which was previewed earlier this year at CES, is rolling out now to a small percentage of users around the world, the company said.

The update comes as Twitter has been testing a number of new features meant to improve conversations on its platform, but is one of its most aggressive anti-trolling measures to date.

With the change, users can limit replies to everyone, those they follow or only those mentioned in the tweet. If no one else is mentioned in the tweet, then nobody can reply. Regardless of a tweet’s permission settings, other users will still be able to like tweets in the conversation and quote tweet, but only those “invited” can reply.

The company has said the feature is meant to prevent harassment and improve conversations, but the feature could prove controversial with Twitter users, particularly if public figures begin limiting their replies. But it’s all still a test, at least for now, so it’s likely most Twitter users won’t even encounter the feature — at least for now.

Update 5/20 4:56PM ET: This post originally stated reply limits could be set to followers only. Users can limit replies to accounts they follow.