The Secret Service is encouraging web users to spy on their Twitter feeds and report messages that appear threatening, according to the Daily Mail.

The appeal comes during a heated election season and when an increasing number of people are using Twitter as a way to send seemingly threatening messages to candidates they oppose, the Daily Mail reports.

Recent debates between candidates, for example, generated about 30 million tweets.  Many were harmless comments, but there were some threats directed at the candidates.

Many are criticizing the Secret Service's effort and says it makes regular citizens into "de factor government agents monitoring speech."

One message from the agency asks: "To report a tweet that concerns you, call the nearest field office in your state."

Read more here: Secret Service asks Twitter users spy to spy on each other by reporting threatening tweets

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