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Twitter Purchases Firm Specializing In Weeding Out Abusive Content

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Eric Lieberman Managing Editor
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Twitter announced Thursday that it acquired Smyte, a tech firm that specializes in identifying content that is considered spam or abusive.

The social media giant has been pressured by two opposing portions of the public, one of which wants it do more to combat hateful communications and content on the platform, and the other to protect the ideal of free speech, even if it makes some uncomfortable. Smyte could help improve the processes it takes to try to do both.

“Twitter is committed to enforcing our rules without bias and empowering every voice on our platform, in accordance with the Twitter Rules,” a spokeswoman for the social media company told The Daily Caller News Foundation.

The company, apparently trying to ensure that there is no partisanship at play, said there are no ideological bounds for abuse. (RELATED: Twitter: ‘Our Mistake’ For Restricting User Who Criticized Hamas)

“I’d also mention that it’s possible to express any political perspective without breaking our rules and targeted abuse based on someone’s race/gender/political beliefs or sending someone violent threat has nothing to do with bias,” the representative continued.

Smyte is also helping with security of the platform with its machine-learning technology.

Also based in San Francisco, Smyte’s website now leads to information about it being absorbed by the larger tech company.

“When we founded Smyte, we set out to build a company that would help keep people safe online,” the page reads. “During the past three years, we’ve helped large and small customers alike solve countless issues with spam, abuse and fraud. We’re proud of this work, and look forward to continuing our mission at a larger scale — with one of the most important services in the world.”

“The health of the conversation on Twitter remains our top priority and we’re looking forward to approaching this work with an expanded team and new technology,” Twitter said in the blog post making the announcement of the acquisition.

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