Twitter is making some updates to their application policies that will affect Twitter users.
New Authorization Rules
As of the beginning of September, all Twitter applications are required to use OAuth to access your Twitter account.
OAuth enables applications to access Twitter on your behalf with your approval, without directly asking you for your password. While they may ask for your password once, they are required to use OAuth to access your timeline or allow your tweet.
What It Means for You
Applications cannot store your password any longer. If you change your password, the apps will still work; although some may require you to reauthorize after the change. You can see all the applications that you have authorized. You can revoke access to any of the apps at any time. This is a good step toward additional security for your Twitter account.
New URL Wrapping
In the next few weeks, Twitter will be rolling out their new link wrapping service t.co. Wrapped (shortened) links are easier to read and appear with the actual domain and part of the URL showing, so you’re not randomly clicking unknown links. Twitter will check links you click on to make sure they do not contain known malware, then they will forward you onto the destination URL. This is expected to be launched by the end of the year.
What It Means for You
Long links will be shortened to a “t.co/” link for SMS dispalys but may also be displayed as the root URL and a shortened page title, such as alphabetix.net/web. This makes the link you’re clicking on less obscure. Twitter will also log clicks, so that the information may be useful in the future.
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Tags: apps, social media, twitter, updates
