Twitter set to automate retweets

Twitter is working on a way to automate its retweet process to enable smoother and more comprehensive access to information across the popular micro-blogging site, according to a new blog posting.

Biz Stone, co-founder of the site, wrote yesterday that the firm intends to "formalise" the process of retweeting so that users do not need to manually copy and paste tweets to share them with their own followers.

"Retweeting is a great example of Twitter teaching us what it wants to be," he wrote.

"The open exchange of information can have a positive global impact and the more efficient dissemination of information across the entire Twitter ecosystem is something we very much want to support. That's why we're planning to formalise retweeting by officially adding it to our platform and Twitter.com."

The system is still being finalised but will basically work to offer users a retweet button to click on, and users will also be able to turn off retweets from certain people they are following if they wish.

"Sharing our thoughts before launching means developers will have the opportunity to prepare their applications," added Stone.

"In a few weeks or so we'll launch the feature on our web site and because app developers had a chance to prepare, it should become available across most of the Twitter ecosystem about the same time."