Twitter has moved in to restrict and regulate third-party application developers from creating Twitter apps. The microblogging site, announced these changes in the company's blog post, on Thursday.
Developers and fans of the targeted apps are not happy with Twitter's plans. Though the move by Twitter will not be affect current users immediately, new users will be pushed to use Twitter's own apps; slowly leading to the end of popular Twitter clients like Tweetbot or Echofon.
Twitter has been planning for a greater control over its platform as it continues to grow into a digital media powerhouse. Twitter has been raking in huge revenue from advertising and has divided many in Silicon Valley about its strategy.
Twitter wants the majority of users to use Twitter's own programs rather than independent clients like Tweetbot, Hootsuite for Twitter logins because it will help the company in measuring its performance to cater to ads in a better way. It is no longer just the 140 character messaging service it once was and will be providing more interactive content.
Michael Sippey, director of consumer products gave details about new version of Twitter's Application Programming Interface. He said Twitter will be heavily limiting used apps (Twitter apps will only be allowed to have a maximum of 100,000 users) and such existing apps must double the user count before Twitter puts a cap on the users, pre-installed handheld apps will require certification from Twitter with a warning that if they do not comply with the "Rules of the Road" within a time span of six months, or they will be cut off.
These new guidelines sparked criticism from users and developers alike. One Tweet said "Twitter might as well just line up all 3rd party app developers and slap them in the face."
This is not a surprising move to many since Twitter has already revealed its intentions. Last month it de-linked from LinkedIn by ending a syndication deal. Last year the company acquired TweetDeck, a third-party application for $50 million.
