Elon Musk's Twitter Removes Blue Check Marks: What It Means for High-Profile Users

Elon Musk's Twitter has started removing blue verification check marks from users who have not signed up for its subscription service. Some of the most popular and widely-followed individuals and entities, including Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Bill Gates, Pope Francis, former president Donald Trump, and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, had their blue checks removed. Even some government agencies lost their blue checks, which were not immediately replaced with the gray checks Twitter has designated for government accounts. The move could lead to an increased risk of impersonation and confusion over the veracity of information on the platform. Musk has previously presented changes to Twitter's verification system as a way of treating everyone equally. However, the paid feature could also help drive revenue, which could help Musk, who is on the hook for significant debt after buying Twitter for $44 billion.

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Twitter's Blue Verification Check Mark System:

Twitter's blue verification check mark system is a coveted feature for many users of the social media platform. The check mark, which appears next to a user's name, indicates that Twitter has verified that user's identity and that they are who they claim to be. The blue check mark is especially important for high-profile users, such as celebrities, journalists, and government agencies, who are at risk of impersonation.

The Rollout of Twitter's New Verification System:

On April 20th, 2023, Twitter began rolling out changes to its verification system, which included the removal of blue check marks from users who had not signed up for its subscription service. This caused many high-profile users, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Bill Gates, as well as government agencies like US Citizenship and Immigration Services, to lose their blue check marks.

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Tomorrow, 4/20, we are removing legacy verified checkmarks. To remain verified on Twitter, individuals can sign up for Twitter Blue here: https://t.co/gzpCcwOXAX

Organizations can sign up for Verified Organizations here: https://t.co/YtPVNYypHU — Twitter Verified (@verified) April 19, 2023

The Impact of the Change on High-Profile Users:

The impact of the change on high-profile users is still uncertain. Some users, such as actor William Shatner and anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky, have pushed back against the idea of paying for a feature that keeps them safe from impersonation. Others have threatened to leave the platform altogether. The confusion over the verification system also threatens to create a greater risk of impersonation and confusion over the veracity of information on the platform.

Elon Musk's Motives for the Verification System Change:

Elon Musk, who owns Twitter, has presented changes to the verification system as a way of treating everyone equally. He has also suggested that requiring users to pay for verification could help eliminate spam and scam accounts, after repeatedly complaining about the number of bots on the platform. However, experts in online inauthentic behavior have said the plan is unlikely to deter bad actors, who could just as easily pay to be verified. The paid feature could also drive revenue, which could help Musk, who is on the hook for significant debt after buying Twitter for $44 billion.

The Future of Twitter's Verification System:

The future of Twitter's verification system is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether high-profile users will be willing to pay for verification, and whether the change will lead to greater confusion and impersonation on the platform. Twitter may need to reconsider its approach to verification to ensure the safety and security of its users, while also ensuring that the platform remains accessible and equitable for all users.

Conclusion: