Twitter’s highly coveted blue checkmark has long been a symbol of authenticity, distinguishing verified accounts from imposters. But the company’s verification system has been controversial, with critics claiming it’s arbitrary and often benefits the rich and famous.
Now, Twitter is taking action by removing blue checkmarks from accounts that have not paid the monthly fee to retain their verification status. The new blue check system, launched after Twitter’s acquisition by Elon Musk, is intended to boost the company’s revenue and tackle misinformation coming from accounts impersonating people.
The cost of the new system ranges from $8 a month for individual web users to $1,000 a month for organizations, with an additional $50 monthly fee for each affiliate or employee account. The original blue-check system had about 300,000 verified users, many of them journalists, athletes, and public figures.
Twitter’s move has been met with resistance from some high-profile users, including basketball star LeBron James and Star Trek’s William Shatner, who have refused to pay the fee. Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander even pledged to leave the platform if his blue checkmark is taken away.
However, Musk sees the original blue-check system as corrupt and undeserved. He believes that the new system will be a fairer way to verify accounts, and he hopes to encourage more people to pay for a premium subscription.
The blue checkmark has been a part of Twitter for over 14 years, with the aim of providing an extra tool to curb misinformation coming from accounts impersonating people. Most verified accounts, including those of politicians, activists, and little-known journalists, are not household names.
While the new blue check system has faced some initial challenges, Twitter hopes that it will be an effective way to verify accounts and tackle misinformation.
