#Twitter’s old verification program was launched in 2009.
It was started amid pressure to authenticate accounts of public figures and agencies to protect the public.
A good thing, right?
So why's everyone pissed at #Elon's new system?
time.com/4414194/twitter-blue-tick/
“Twitter’s current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark is bulls***,” tweeted Musk on Nov. 1.
“Power to the people! Blue for $8/month.”
Users who opt-in for the new verification service will also experience half of the ads and be able to post longer videos on the platform.
However, anyone who already has the old blue check mark will lose it in a couple of months if they choose not to pay the fee.
It is still not clear if users will have to authenticate their identity, or if they will simply receive a verification symbol regardless.
Twitter products team manager Esther Crawford tweeted that the newest Twitter Blue is not live just yet.
Android users also do not have access to this new feature.
twitter.com/esthercrawford/status/1588969361976741888
No launch date has been officially announced, though some speculate that it might go live starting Nov. 7
twitter.com/MikeSington/status/1588307942687711232
Twitter Blue was previously described as a monthly subscription “that gives the most engaged people on Twitter exclusive access to premium features", like editing a tweet.
It is currently available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Critics of the verification subscription plan argue that it takes away from the original intent behind the blue check, which helps users identify if they are receiving information from a reliable source.
Musk said in a tweet Saturday that accounts that attempt to impersonate previously verified profiles on the platform would be suspended.
twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1588995519602651136
Some also argue the company’s newest verification plan puts much at risk in an era of online misinformation, especially as Election Day occurs the day after the program’s suspected launch.
Journalists, political scientists and politicians, among others, expressed their concerns about the change online.
twitter.com/NikkiMcR/status/1588384805045301248
PS: I wrote this thread with @typefully.
rickhuckstep.com/typefully