Twitter has acquired Fabula AI (Fabula), a London-based start-up, with a team of machine learning researchers who employ graph deep learning to detect network manipulation.

Graph deep learning is a method for applying powerful ML techniques to network-structured data. The result is the ability to analyze very large and complex datasets describing relations and interactions, and to extract signals in ways that traditional ML techniques are not capable of doing.

Twitter says that the strategic investment in graph deep learning research, technology and talent would be a key driver as the company works to help people feel safe on Twitter and help them see relevant information. Specifically, by studying and understanding the Twitter graph, comprised of the millions of Tweets, Retweets and Likes shared on Twitter every day, Twitter will be able to improve the health of the conversation, as well as products including the timeline, recommendations, the explore tab and the onboarding experience.

Twitter's initial focus when Fabula joins the Twitter team will be to expand applications to stop spam and abuse and other strategic priorities in the future.