GOOD intentions gone wrong? An app designed to support people at risk of suicide has caused a furore this week, after monitoring the mental health of Twitter users without their consent.
Once downloaded, the app, created by support organisation , tracks tweets from people you follow and analyses them for phrases that might suggest a person is struggling to cope. These tweets are then flagged to the user via an email, which also includes advice on how to support that person.
Since launching last week, the app has been criticised for collecting, processing and sharing information about people鈥檚 mental health without their knowledge. Others worry it could alert trolls to potential victims.
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The Samaritans has now extended the app鈥檚 opt-out function to include individuals as well as organisations. You can opt out by sending a direct message to @samaritans.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淭witter health鈥�
