In an effort to combat misinformation, X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a new feature that allows users to request Community Notes on posts they believe may contain misleading claims. This initiative is part of X’s broader strategy to enhance the quality of information shared on the platform, empowering users to play an active role in content moderation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to request Community Notes.
What are Community Notes?
Community Notes are a collaborative feature on X that enables users to add context to posts, particularly those that may be misleading or controversial.
Originally launched as Birdwatch, this feature aims to create a more informed user base by allowing contributors to provide fact-checking and additional context to tweets. When a note receives enough positive ratings from diverse contributors, it becomes publicly visible to all users.
How to request a Community Note
To make a request, you must have a verified phone number linked to your X account. This verification is also a requirement for X Premium subscriptions.
On the desktop version of X, navigate to the post you want to flag. Click on the three-dot menu (•••) located at the top right corner of the tweet. Select the “Request Community Note” option. This action will flag the post for review by Community Notes contributors.
Initially, users can submit up to five requests per day. However, X has indicated that this limit may be increased in the future based on the effectiveness of the requests in providing valuable notes.
If your request is part of five or more requests made within 24 hours for the same post, Community Notes contributors will receive an alert and can choose to propose a note for that post.
The role of contributors
Community Notes contributors play a vital role in this process. Once alerted to a request, they can review the post and propose a note if they find it necessary. Contributors are expected to provide diverse perspectives, which helps ensure that the notes reflect a balanced viewpoint.
This feature is crucial in the current media landscape, where misinformation can spread rapidly. By allowing users to request notes, X aims to create a more interactive and responsible community. The platform’s internal data suggests that users are less likely to engage with misleading content when Community Notes are present, indicating the potential effectiveness of this initiative.
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