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Digital Planet: What’s the future of bots on Twitter?

Factual: Science & Nature

Twitter headquarters in San Francisco, California

07/02/2023 GMT

What’s the future of bots on Twitter?

BBC World Service - Digital Planet, What’s the future of bots on Twitter?

We explore if there’s a future for bots on Twitter and what this means for the community.

What’s the future of bots on Twitter? Also could the right to disconnect become law in Kenya and tech that tells you if fruit is ripe.

What is happening with API’s, more commonly known as bots, on Twitter?  The platform is set to eliminate free access to its APIs this Thursday, although there appears to have been some backtracking following announcements that bots providing “good content” will have  access to the Twitter API for free.  Tech writer, broadcaster and bot user and creator Kate Bevan will be on the show with the latest. 
 
The right to disconnect
Kenya is the latest country to propose a new law that will block employers from interrupting their staff during their time off.  The Employment Amendment Bill aims to give Kenyans “the right to disconnect in the digital age” and protect them from working out of hours, at weekends and public holidays – often for no additional pay.  Nairobi based tech reporter Wairimu Gitahi is on the show.

Tech that tells you when fruit is ripe 
Harvesting a crop at the correct time is vital to ensure higher profits for the farmer and also to reduce food waste. Reporter Rani Singh has met two entrepreneurs in India who have developed a device that checks 19 vegetable and fruits for ripeness, texture and taste – just by scanning their skin.  The handheld device checks the chemical composition e.g. sugar levels of fruits and veg and can tell if there has been damage from insects or disease.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Bill Thompson.
	
Studio Manager: Michael Millham
Producer: Ania Lichtarowicz

(Image: Twitter headquarters in San Francisco, California  Credit: David Odisho/Stringer/Getty Images)

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