Twitter started a subscription service that included a blue check mark that is currently only granted to verified accounts.
Twitter has launched a subscription service for $7.99 a month that includes a blue check currently only issued to verified accounts like new owner Elon Musk overhauled the platform’s verification system just before the midterm elections in the US.
In an update for Apple’s iOS devices, Twitter on Saturday said users who “sign up now” can get blue check mark next to their name “Like the celebrities, companies and politicians you’ve followed.” So far, verified accounts don’t seem to have lost checks.
Anyone could get a green check could lead to confusion and an increase in misinformation ahead of Tuesday’s election if the impostors decide to pay for registration and co-opt the names of politicians. and election officials.
With widespread layoffs Starting Friday, many fear that the social platform used by public authorities, electoral boards, police departments and news outlets to reliably deliver information to people could become lawless if content censorship and verification were removed.
This change represents the end of Twitter’s current verification system, which was introduced in 2009 to prevent impersonation of well-known accounts such as celebrities and politicians.
Before the overhaul, Twitter had about 423,000 verified accounts, many of which were rated journalists and profiles from around the world that the company verified regardless of how many followers they had. .
Experts have raised serious concerns about the strengthening of the platform’s verification system, which, while imperfect, has helped Twitter’s 238 million daily users determine whether accounts they received notifications for whether the news is authentic or not.
Current verified accounts include celebrities, athletes, influencers and other public figures, along with government agencies and politicians worldwide, journalists and news agencies, activists, as well as businesses and brands.
Also on Saturday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk urged Musk to make sure respect for human rights is at the heart of the social network, in an open letter.
“Like all companies, Twitter needs to understand the harms associated with its platform and take steps to address them. Our respect for shared human rights should create barriers to platform usage and development. In conclusion, I urge you to ensure human rights are central to the governance of Twitter under your leadership,” wrote Turk.
