The Samaritans charity's Radar app launched last month, which was designed to detect suicide warning signs on social media, was taken down after users expressed privacy concerns.
The app scanned your Twitter feed for warning phrases written by your followers such as "I want to end it all," "hate myself," "depressed," "help me" or "tired of being alone." If one of these phrases turns up (whether they were being ironic or not) the Radar user gets an email notice, flagging the tweet.
The app received cautiously positive feedback with experts recognizing that suicide is an increasing issue and the application could theoretically help the epidemic, a Slate article defending Radar reported.
Despite the good intentions, after the app was released concerns emerged about the privacy effects of Radar.
Tweets are scanned on public Twitter accounts without the user's knowledge. Some say the notifications can also be counter-effective by fueling bullies who are looking for a weak target.
Samaritan reviewed the concerns and decided it was best to take down the app - at least temporarily.
Joe Ferns, the charity's policy director, issued a statement concerning the backlash Radar received:
We have made the decision to suspend the application at this time for further consideration. Our primary concern is for anyone who may be struggling to cope, including those with mental health conditions. We are very aware that the range of information and opinion, which is circulating about Samaritans Radar, has created concern and worry for some people and would like to apologise to anyone who has inadvertently been caused any distress. This was not our intention.
