Twitter’s recent decision to revise the label attached to its blue checkmark verification system has caused confusion among its users. The social media giant was originally planning to remove legacy verification checkmarks on April 1, but the company decided to put those plans on hold for now.
The new label attached to the checkmark now reads, “This account is verified because it’s subscribed to Twitter Blue or is a legacy verified account.” This change has made it difficult for users to differentiate between accounts that have earned verification and those that have paid for it.
Previously, the label on a legacy verified account read, “This is a legacy verified account. It may or may not be notable.” Meanwhile, a Twitter Blue account was labeled, “This account is verified because it’s subscribed to Twitter Blue.”
This change has led to confusion among Twitter users, as it is now challenging to differentiate between two sets of verified accounts and identify notable accounts. It has also raised questions about the legitimacy of the verification system and how much it really means if it is now available to anyone who pays for it.
The confusion was further exacerbated when the New York Times lost its verified check after refusing to pay for the verification service. In response to users posting a meme about the publication not paying for verification, Twitter CEO Elon Musk said, “Oh okay, we’ll take it off.”
However, it is not just the New York Times that has refused to pay for the blue checkmark. Many celebrities, including LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes II, Darius Slay, Monica Lewinsky, and William Shatner, have also said that they won’t be paying for the check mark.
Musk deleted a tweet saying that Twitter will give “a few weeks grace” to legacy verified account holders to subscribe to Twitter Blue before removing verification marks from those who don’t pay. The deleted tweet also said that the social network will remove the checkmark if accounts specifically refuse to pay for Twitter Blue.
Musk has promised that after April 15, the “For You” algorithmic timeline will only show verified accounts along with the accounts a person follows. Additionally, Twitter will soon add the date of verification to user profiles, according to Musk.
In conclusion, Twitter’s new verification label has sparked confusion among its users. The change has made it difficult for users to differentiate between two sets of verified accounts and identify notable accounts. It has also raised questions about the legitimacy of the verification system and how much it really means if it is now available to anyone who pays for it. As Twitter continues to make changes to its verification system, users will have to adapt and adjust to the new guidelines.
