A machine learning tool which helps spot bullies and trolls on Twitter with 90 % accuracy has been developed by researchers at Binghamton University in New York . The software uses “ crawler ” programmes to collect profile page information and probe connections between accounts . An algorithm taught to recognise the difference between bullies and typical users analyses the data . The tool will not stop abusive users but could help identify the people responsible , the researchers said . Facebook has acknowledged it needs help to regulate its platforms , while the UK government has indicated it may grant users the power to fine social media firms .
A machine learning tool which can spot bullies and trolls on Twitter with 90% accuracy has been developed by researchers at Binghamton University in New York. The software uses “crawler” programmes to collect profile page details and probe connections between accounts. An algorithm taught to recognise the difference between bullies and typical users analyses the data. The tool will not stop abusive behaviour but could help find the people responsible, the researchers said. Facebook has acknowledged it needs help to regulate its platforms, while the UK government has indicated it may grant Ofcom the power to fine social media firms.