Elon Musk's Plan for Twitter Verification Sparks Confusion, Backlash Over a Single High-Profile Account
In a surprise move, Elon Musk has delayed the purging of blue check marks from high-profile Twitter users, but instead targeted just one account - that of the New York Times. The billionaire CEO had announced plans to introduce a new verification system, where only paid subscribers would receive blue checks, with prices starting at $8 per month.
Instead, Twitter appears to have changed its language on the site, appending a new label to most legacy blue check holders stating that their account is verified because it's subscribed to Twitter Blue or is a legacy verified account. This move has raised questions about what it means to be a "notable individual" on the platform and whether users who pay for verification are being treated equally.
The New York Times main account, which had declined to pay for verification, lost its blue check over the weekend after Musk tweeted that he would take action against accounts that did not subscribe to Twitter Blue. However, other accounts associated with the paper, such as those for its arts and books content, remained verified.
Twitter's new verification system has been plagued by controversy since its launch in December, with concerns over impersonation and bot activity on the platform. Experts have warned that reserving verification for paid users could make it easier for scammers to impersonate high-profile users.
Musk has defended his changes, saying they are meant to "treat everyone equally." However, critics argue that the new system creates a two-tiered system, where those who pay for verification are given preferential treatment over others. The move is also seen as a way for Musk to generate revenue from verified accounts, which could help him pay off his significant debt after buying Twitter for $44 billion.
The confusing moves have sparked backlash among high-profile users and experts, with many questioning the transparency of Twitter's new verification system. As Musk continues to shape the platform in his image, it remains to be seen how this will impact the user experience and reputation of Twitter.
In a surprise move, Elon Musk has delayed the purging of blue check marks from high-profile Twitter users, but instead targeted just one account - that of the New York Times. The billionaire CEO had announced plans to introduce a new verification system, where only paid subscribers would receive blue checks, with prices starting at $8 per month.
Instead, Twitter appears to have changed its language on the site, appending a new label to most legacy blue check holders stating that their account is verified because it's subscribed to Twitter Blue or is a legacy verified account. This move has raised questions about what it means to be a "notable individual" on the platform and whether users who pay for verification are being treated equally.
The New York Times main account, which had declined to pay for verification, lost its blue check over the weekend after Musk tweeted that he would take action against accounts that did not subscribe to Twitter Blue. However, other accounts associated with the paper, such as those for its arts and books content, remained verified.
Twitter's new verification system has been plagued by controversy since its launch in December, with concerns over impersonation and bot activity on the platform. Experts have warned that reserving verification for paid users could make it easier for scammers to impersonate high-profile users.
Musk has defended his changes, saying they are meant to "treat everyone equally." However, critics argue that the new system creates a two-tiered system, where those who pay for verification are given preferential treatment over others. The move is also seen as a way for Musk to generate revenue from verified accounts, which could help him pay off his significant debt after buying Twitter for $44 billion.
The confusing moves have sparked backlash among high-profile users and experts, with many questioning the transparency of Twitter's new verification system. As Musk continues to shape the platform in his image, it remains to be seen how this will impact the user experience and reputation of Twitter.
. First, they announce a paid verification system, and now they're just messing around with labels on everyone's account? It's like they can't even decide what they want to do with Twitter anymore 
. The New York Times main account gets kicked out of the blue check club because it doesn't pay for verification? What's next, charging people for breathing?! 
And don't even get me started on this two-tiered system nonsense... it's like Musk is just trying to make a quick buck off Twitter Blue 
. I mean, can't they just stick with something simple and not make so many changes all at once? It's causing more problems than it's solving 
. And have you tried using the site lately? It's like they're testing some kind of beta software or something... totally frustrating! 
. Now they're putting a label on all legacy blue check holders saying it's because they paid or are a legacy verified account? That just doesn't feel right 
.
. And let's be real, this whole thing feels like a money grab 
Not the users, that's for sure.
. It seems like they're just trying to make a quick buck off of it rather than prioritizing user experience and security 
. I'll be keeping an eye on this development, but I've got my doubts 
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. And what about all the legit users who don't wanna shell out $8 a month? Shouldn't they still get that blue check too, no matter how small their following is? 
I'm not sure if Musk really means to "treat everyone equally", or if he's just trying to stir up drama 
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... also, why is the NYT main account gettin' slapped with that label if it's not subscribed to twitter blue? 
and why did they pick the ny times to be the only one that lost their badge tho? thats just weird . anyway i think this whole thing is super shady cuz now users who pay for it are getting special treatment and its not fair to those who dont pay . i hope musk explains himself soon 'cause this is getting out of hand 
and what about all the other legacy verified accounts like, what happened to them? 
is this just a money grab or does musk actually think it's gonna make twitter better? 
. Can't we just have a simple system where everyone gets treated equally? 
But for real, if I had to pay $8/month to prove I'm a notable individual, I'd be like "Can I get a refund on my pizza order?" 
. In fact, I think it's a perfect example of how a new system can create more problems than it solves 
. Reserving verification for paid users could make it easier for scammers to impersonate high-profile users, which is a major issue 
. I'm all for innovation and disrupting traditional systems, but this one feels like a step backward 
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. Can't wait to see how this whole debacle plays out! 
. Can't we just have a clear system where everyone's treated the same? It feels like they're playing games with people's trust right now... not cool