Twitter is retiring its blue checkmark verification system, which gave certification to noteworthy accounts. Instead, the social media platform will offer this service as part of its Twitter Blue subscription package.
Previously, celebrities, politicians, and other public figures could apply to be verified if they were deemed by Twitter to be authentic and important enough for the public. Accounts that were similar in style or impersonated someone else’s work did not qualify.
With Thursday’s announcement, the blue checkmarks are no longer free – but instead are a perk available only with the paid Twitter Blue subscription plan.
The end of Twitter’s free verification system is concerning. Without blue checkmarks, it will be harder to tell who is actually tweeting and if the content they are posting is accurate.
This could lead to the further spread of disinformation, as untrustworthy accounts can masquerade as verified ones without any way of verifying their authenticity.
Overall, this decision weakens trust in what people see on social media platforms like Twitter and makes it easier for malicious actors to spread misinformation with no accountability.
Twitter has decided April Fool’s Day would be the best day to retire the blue check authentication system. Undoubtedly, this will create further confusion as to whether they are serious or if it is a joke. I guess they think it’s funny.
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