SAN FRANCISCO — Verified Twitter account holders can now send Direct Messages to users they don’t follow.
Twitter has changed its direct messages policy to allow verified accounts to gain direct messaging privileges from users the account holder doesn’t follow, according to PCMag.com.
The change was first noticed by a blogger who tweeted, “Now Twitter verified accounts [Brands] can let followers Direct Message without following back.”
Previously, direct messaging was only available to those who were being followed by the user who they were following.
Some critics say the new feature will have a negative impact by causing accounts to receive numerous unsolicited messages. While supporters say it will benefit businesses, which will be able to get messages from customers without having to follow them back.
Twitter hasn’t officially announced the new feature but some account holders like Indian mobile service provider Tata DOCOMO said the change was already working.
"Now to DM us all you need to do is follow @tatadocomo. No need for us to follow you first. Tested and it’s working,” the company tweeted.