Last week, the social media platform Twitter announced they are going ahead with getting rid of their blue check verification badges. Before Twitter CEO Elon Musk took over, these verification badges were given to celebrities, politicians, professional athletes, influencers, and more.
Overview
In October of this year, Elon Musk purchased Twitter for roughly $44 billion. Shortly after the purchase was made, Musk announced that badges would be removed at the beginning of April. Nearly three weeks later, the mass exodus of badges began, as the prominent media company known as the New York Times no longer has its blue check on Twitter.
Blue Check Breakdown
For more than 10 years, Twitter used its blue verification check in order to provide confirmation that the brand is authenticated with the account holder and that they are who they say they are. However, one of the first initiatives of Musk was to irradicate this system. Instead, Twitter will be instating a $7.99 monthly subscription that includes a verification badge that can be purchased by all users. In a tweet in November, Musk said, “Widespread verification will democratize journalism & empower the voice of the people.”
Embrace Debate
This recent move that was made by Twitter has caused two sides of the aisle to form. One side argues that Musk made a great decision, citing how it will promote more equality on Twitter. On the other hand, people are saying that this move only invites impersonation accounts to take over the platform for a bargain of $7.99 per month.
Wrap Up
This is only one of the few changes that have been made to Twitter since Elon Musk purchased the platform. He has also cut the majority of Twitter employees and reinstated former President Donald Trump’s previously banned account. The changes have caused some people to love Twitter and flock to it but their also other prominent figures leaving the platform altogether. As time goes on, we will have to wait and see what other changes Elon Musk will make to the platform in the future.