Elon Musk's Twitter purge, intended to weed out high-profile users with blue verification marks, has taken an unexpected turn. The billionaire CEO had previously announced that users would have to pay $8 per month to join the platform's Twitter Blue subscription service and retain their coveted badges. However, instead of implementing this change across the board, Twitter appears to have targeted a single account from a major publication that Musk dislikes.
The New York Times' main account lost its blue check mark over the weekend after an employee posted a meme about the outlet declining to pay for verification on Twitter. Musk responded with a tweet saying he would remove the check if they didn't pay, and subsequently lashed out at the Times in a series of tweets claiming their coverage is boring and propaganda.
The move has sparked confusion among users and raised concerns about the inconsistent application of Twitter's new verification system. While most legacy blue check holders have retained their marks with an added label indicating they are verified because they subscribe to Twitter Blue or are legacy verified accounts, some high-profile users are still being treated as notable individuals.
Musk's long campaign against "legacy" blue checks has been underway since he bought Twitter last fall. The new verification system was initially rolled out in November but was paused due to issues with impersonators. It was relaunched in December and now requires paid users to receive blue checks, a change that has sparked debate among experts about its effectiveness in reducing bots on the platform.
The inconsistencies in how Twitter is applying its new verification system have raised questions about Musk's approach to policy-making, which often seems driven by his personal whims rather than careful consideration. The decision to target a single account from a publication that Musk dislikes, rather than implementing the change across all verified users, has also highlighted the potential for abuse and confusion.
As Twitter continues to navigate its new verification system, one thing is clear: Musk's influence on the platform will continue to shape its direction in unpredictable ways.
The New York Times' main account lost its blue check mark over the weekend after an employee posted a meme about the outlet declining to pay for verification on Twitter. Musk responded with a tweet saying he would remove the check if they didn't pay, and subsequently lashed out at the Times in a series of tweets claiming their coverage is boring and propaganda.
The move has sparked confusion among users and raised concerns about the inconsistent application of Twitter's new verification system. While most legacy blue check holders have retained their marks with an added label indicating they are verified because they subscribe to Twitter Blue or are legacy verified accounts, some high-profile users are still being treated as notable individuals.
Musk's long campaign against "legacy" blue checks has been underway since he bought Twitter last fall. The new verification system was initially rolled out in November but was paused due to issues with impersonators. It was relaunched in December and now requires paid users to receive blue checks, a change that has sparked debate among experts about its effectiveness in reducing bots on the platform.
The inconsistencies in how Twitter is applying its new verification system have raised questions about Musk's approach to policy-making, which often seems driven by his personal whims rather than careful consideration. The decision to target a single account from a publication that Musk dislikes, rather than implementing the change across all verified users, has also highlighted the potential for abuse and confusion.
As Twitter continues to navigate its new verification system, one thing is clear: Musk's influence on the platform will continue to shape its direction in unpredictable ways.
. I mean, what's next? Charging us to breathe on Twitter? It's clear that Musk is just trying to silence anyone who disagrees with him or isn't part of his "inner circle" 
. This whole thing is a mess and it's only going to get worse if he keeps making arbitrary decisions based on his own ego 
. Can't wait to see how many other high-profile users get targeted next...
I was just thinking about my aunt's favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies the other day... she makes this amazing peanut butter version that's so moist and chewy 
anyway, back to Twitter... I mean, what's with Elon Musk and his Twitter rants? 
it's like he's trying to stir up controversy wherever he goes 
but seriously, can't they just have a calm discussion about the platform's future instead of trash-talking each other? 
It's also got me wondering if Elon's using this as a way to shape public opinion and silence opposing voices... but I'm not gonna go there 
. One thing's for sure though - Twitter's going through some major changes, and it'll be interesting to see how they all shake out 
so like I was just checking my timeline and I see that The New York Times' account lost their blue check mark... but they didn't even pay for it or anything? isn't that weird? 
. I'm not sure if this is gonna help with the bot problem or just create more confusion 
.
. This doesn't help the whole verification thing, it's like he can't make up his mind. Shoulda just done it right from the start you know? 
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." 
.
. Anyway, it's clear that Twitter is still figuring out this whole verification thing, and Musk's antics are just making it more entertaining to watch. 
Let's just hope he doesn't start charging for oxygen next. 
. I mean, who decides that one person's Twitter post is more deserving of scrutiny than everyone else? 
.
I'm so frustrated for The New York Times right now 
. My concern is that this inconsistency will lead to more confusion and potential abuse, which could be bad for the platform as a whole 
. I mean, what's the point of even having a paid subscription if you're just gonna target specific accounts? 
It's like, fair or not, doesn't matter - it's still a double standard 
. And now people are even questioning Musk's motives behind all this... is he really trying to reduce bots on Twitter or just trying to stir up drama? 
