The issue focused on major football websites and digital technology companies that use computers to screen out fake news.

On Tuesday, internet technology company Microsoft took the side of Facebook in a decision that could put pressure on Twitter to follow suit.

It said it had received information from European Union officials about misleading claims made by websites such as Russia Today and Sputnik News.

In its response, Twitter said: "We do not accept this type of automated activity and we have taken action against those who abuse