Twitter has recently reinstated its blue checkmark verification process for accounts that have over a million followers, after suspending the program in 2017 due to controversy surrounding the system. The blue checkmark, also known as the blue badge, is a symbol that appears next to the name of a Twitter user’s profile and indicates that the account has been verified as legitimate by Twitter. The verification process was first introduced in 2009, and it was initially used to verify the accounts of public figures, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals. However, in 2016, Twitter announced that it would be opening up the verification process to all users, as a way to help users identify legitimate accounts and reduce the number of fake accounts on the platform.
Despite the intentions of the verification process, there were several controversies surrounding it, such as accusations that it was used to give preferential treatment to certain users or that it was difficult for smaller accounts to get verified. In 2017, Twitter suspended the verification program entirely in response to the backlash. However, now Twitter has brought back the verification process with new guidelines and procedures to avoid previous controversies. The new verification process is designed to help users distinguish authentic accounts from fake ones, especially for people who rely on Twitter for news, information, and communication with public figures. To qualify for the blue badge under the new guidelines, accounts must meet certain criteria, including having a profile photo and a confirmed email address or phone number, and accounts must not have violated Twitter’s rules in the past. Twitter also asks for more specific information about the account, such as links to websites, to determine whether it belongs to a public figure, organization, or other official entity. Twitter’s decision to reinstate the verification process for accounts with over a million followers is a significant step towards rebuilding trust with its users, especially those who rely on the platform for news and information. The blue checkmark is a symbol that has become synonymous with authenticity and credibility on social media platforms, and its reintroduction will help users distinguish legitimate accounts from fake ones. However, some users argue that the blue badge is not a reliable indicator of legitimacy, as it is only a verification of the account’s identity and not an endorsement of its content. Others believe that the verification process should be open to all users, regardless of their follower count, to help smaller accounts gain credibility and visibility.
Despite these concerns, the reintroduction of the blue checkmark is a positive step towards improving the user experience on Twitter. The verification process provides an additional layer of protection against fake accounts, trolls, and misinformation, making it easier for users to identify legitimate sources of information on the platform. Twitter’s decision to reinstate the blue checkmark verification process for accounts with over a million followers is a positive step towards improving the user experience on the platform. While the blue badge is not a perfect indicator of legitimacy, it is a valuable tool for helping users distinguish authentic accounts from fake ones. Twitter must continue to work on improving its verification process to ensure that it is fair, transparent, and accessible to all users.
