Users can typically view public tweets even without a Twitter account. For instance, one can use the Twitter search feature, which allows anyone to search for public tweets based on keywords, hashtags, or usernames. By visiting the Twitter search page, users can explore and browse relevant tweets without the need for an account.
Another way to access public tweets is through search engine results. Search engines like Google index public tweets, making them searchable even without a Twitter account. By entering relevant keywords or hashtags in a search engine, users can discover and view publicly available tweets displayed in the search results.
KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM APRIL 21: In this photo illustration the Twitter account of Elon Musk is seen on a mobile cellphone on April 21, 2023, in Knutsford, United Kingdom. The social media company started removing large numbers of the blue verification check marks, or "blue ticks," that had historically indicated a verified account.
Additionally, there are third-party Twitter clients and applications that provide access to public tweets without requiring a Twitter account. These clients often aggregate and display public tweets, allowing users to browse and interact with them
However, it appears that this functionality may change soon as Reuters reports Twitter will now be requiring its users to sign in before viewing tweets.
"Temporary Emergency Measure"
Users will now need to have an account on the platform in order to view tweets. This decision, described by owner Elon Musk as a "temporary emergency measure," aims to address the growing concern of data pillaging and protect the user experience.
Upon attempting to access content on Twitter, individuals will be prompted to either sign up for a new account or log into their existing one to gain access to their favorite tweets.
This change is particularly noticeable on the web version of Twitter, where browsing without logging in is no longer possible. Every URL now redirects users to the signup page, ensuring a more controlled and secure environment.
Musk took to Twitter to explain the rationale behind this move, stating, "We were getting data pillaged so much that it was degrading service for normal users!"
This account requirement is seen as a significant step towards curbing the activities of data scrapers, including tools such as ChatGPT's web browser plugin that have been utilizing Twitter's data.
The objective is to make it increasingly challenging for unauthorized entities to access and exploit Twitter's valuable information.
Musk expressed his discontent in the past regarding the utilization of Twitter's data by artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT. His concerns revolve around the incorporation of Twitter's content into training large language models without proper authorization.
In response to the situation, Musk declared, "We absolutely will take legal action against those who stole our data & look forward to seeing them in court, which is (optimistically) 2 to 3 years from now."
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