This article was last updated on April 21, 2023
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Twitter ends free option for blue checkmarks
Twitter has started removing blue checkmarks for verified users, ending the free option for politicians, journalists, athletes, and companies to obtain the authenticity seal. The blue checkmark is now only possible for a fee.
Implementation of the plan
The American company had set April 20 as a target date for the implementation of the plan. Due to delays and complications, it was unclear whether the free blue ticks would really disappear, writes news website The Verge. However, it turns out that the free blue tick option has been removed. It is unclear how many of the approximately 300,000 verified users have now lost their check. In any case, Donald Trump, Beyonce, and Pope Francis no longer have it. Twitter boss Elon Musk still has it himself, despite his previous criticism of the old verification system.
Elon Musk’s previous criticism of the old verification system
Director Musk has not hidden his dissatisfaction with the old verification system. He called it “bullshit” and “corrupt.” That is why the billionaire initially decided last year that everyone could get a blue check for a fee. That led to chaos on the social media platform, with countless people pretending to be famous people or brands and making bizarre statements on Twitter. Twitter intervened against this. Subsequently, Musk announced that gold and gray check marks would come, but the reform of the verification system was delayed.
The old verification system
The blue ticks were introduced on Twitter about fourteen years ago. This was done because of criticism of the many fake accounts that pretended to be an influential politician or well-known movie star.
Over the years, the system has proven to be far from perfect. Attribution of the check mark was arbitrary, not all public persons were verified, and the rules were vague.
The new verification system
In the new system, a blue tick costs about $8 a month for individuals, and it costs more for companies. Twitter will not check the authenticity of these accounts, the AP news agency writes.
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