Twitter opens up Direct Messages

Twitter has made changes to its private messaging feature that will give users the option to accept messages from any one on the social network.

The change is optional, requiring users to make a change in their security settings to accept Direct Messages from any user, says Twitter in a blog post published Monday.

"We hope these changes help you connect more easily – and directly – on Twitter with the people, causes and businesses you care about most," says Nhu Vhong, a senior software engineer at Twitter.

Prior to the change, Twitter only allowed users to send Direct Messages to others they mutually followed. Twitter says the update will roll out today.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.