In April 2023, Twitter announced that it would be reinstating its blue verification checkmarks for accounts with over a million followers. This move was met with mixed reactions from users, some of whom welcomed the decision, while others felt that it reinforced the platform’s focus on popularity rather than authenticity.
Twitter’s blue verification checkmark is a symbol of credibility and authenticity, indicating that the account has been verified as belonging to a legitimate user, public figure, or brand. In 2017, the platform suspended the verification process following a backlash against the company’s perceived bias towards certain users. Twitter then revamped the process, making it more difficult to get verified, but still faced criticism for its lack of transparency.
Now, with the reinstatement of the blue checkmark for accounts with over a million followers, Twitter is attempting to strike a balance between promoting transparency and recognizing popular accounts. The process of getting verified will be free of charge, but only accounts that meet specific criteria will be eligible. These criteria include being active on the platform for the past six months, having a complete profile with a profile picture, bio, and header image, and having confirmed contact information.
Some users have applauded Twitter’s decision to bring back the blue verification checkmark, as it reinforces the idea that the platform is committed to promoting authenticity and credibility. For users with large followings, the blue checkmark serves as a signal that they have a significant presence on the platform and can be trusted.
However, critics of the move argue that Twitter is further amplifying the voices of already powerful accounts and that the blue checkmark should be made available to a wider range of users, including smaller accounts and those with niche interests. Critics also argue that the verification process should be more transparent, with clearer criteria and feedback for users who are not approved.
Overall, Twitter’s decision to reinstate the blue verification checkmark is a step towards promoting transparency and authenticity on the platform. However, the platform should continue to consider how it can improve the verification process to make it more inclusive and transparent, while also recognizing the achievements of its users. By doing so, Twitter can strengthen its reputation as a trustworthy and credible social media platform.
