Twitter has been making big changes to its ecosystem ever since Elon Musk took the reigns of the company into his own hands. For instance, free API support was taken away from developers, and new pricing plans were introduced recently. Users gained the ability to see how many people have bookmarked their tweets. Earlier in March, the company had announced that it will take away legacy verified checkmarks from all profiles across Twitter, forcing previously-verified users to pay for their Twitter Blue certification. This was supposed to happen from April 1 onwards. However, since it was a manual process, it was quite slow – but it’s happening now.
Previously Verified Users have voiced their Displeasure
Twitter’s decision to strip the blue checkmark from legacy verified accounts that are not subscribed to Twitter Blue has sparked debate and controversy on the platform. While some users are in favour of the move, others see it as an exclusionary tactic that could divide paying and non-paying users. The blue checkmark has been a symbol of prestige on Twitter since its introduction in 2009. Initially used to verify accounts of public figures and celebrities, it later expanded to include journalists, activists, and other notable individuals. However, the verification process was often criticized for being opaque and inconsistent, leading to confusion and frustration among users.
With the introduction of Twitter Blue, the company now offers a paid subscription service that includes access to exclusive features such as undoing tweets, bookmark collections, and customizable app icons. However, the decision to make verification part of the paid service has drawn criticism from some users who see it as a way to monetize the platform’s most coveted feature. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is among the most vocal critics of the media and has used Twitter to air his grievances with newsrooms such as BBC and NPR. With his recent appointment as the ultimate decision-maker for verified accounts, some users are concerned about the potential for bias and favoritism.
Moreover, the removal of the blue checkmark from legacy verified accounts has raised questions about Twitter’s commitment to transparency and fairness. Some users have reported inconsistencies in the verification process, with some accounts remaining verified despite not meeting the criteria, while others lose their verification status seemingly without cause. Only time will tell if this move actually bears any fruit or if it will spell more problems for the company.
RELATED:
- Elon Musk threatens legal action against Microsoft over the use of Twitter data
- Elon Musk Reportedly Purchased 100,000 GPUs for Twitter’s AI Research
- Best Multiport Travel Chargers 2023
(Via)
