The Telegraph has suspended the facility for readers to comment on stories and features “until further notice” as part of a review of the way the newspaper engages with its audience.
As part of the relaunch of Telegraph.co.uk, the company is also researching whether to reinstate the feature. The print edition of the newspaper has recently been given a new look.
The roll-out of the new-look site is being done in stages with travel, TV, lifestyle and technology sections already live, but without the ability for readers to comment under articles. The parts of the site that have not yet been included in the redesign still allow comments.
A spokesman for the Telegraph said: “In the process of migrating its site to a new online platform, the Telegraph has suspended the comment function in some areas under transition until further notice.
“It’s also undertaking research to understand the best way to support reader engagement, but in the meantime they can continue to comment on and share articles through Telegraph Facebook pages, or via Twitter, in the usual way.”
The Telegraph is set to make changes to its digital coverage of sections including news, business, money, sport, science and opinion.
In October, Reddit announced that its news publishing spin-off, Upvoted, would not permit the rating of content or allow comments.
Last January, Bloomberg removed the option to comment on stories following a relaunch of its flagship website.
Bloomberg did not comment on the decision but it is understood that the decision was taken that conversations about its content were better served on social media rather than its own platform.