Twitter has announced that it will begin removing the blue ticks from accounts that do not meet the new verification guidelines, starting today. This move comes after a deadline set by Elon Musk, who has been critical of the blue tick system in the past. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Twitter is removing legacy blue ticks, what it means for users, and how to apply for verification under the new guidelines.
Why is Twitter Removing Legacy Blue Ticks?
The blue tick has long been a symbol of verification and credibility on Twitter. However, in recent years, the verification process has been criticized for being unclear and inconsistent. Elon Musk, a prominent Twitter user and influencer, has been among those who have spoken out against the blue tick system. In January 2021, he tweeted, “Verification is meant to authenticate identity & voice but it is interpreted as an endorsement or an indicator of importance. We recognize that we have created this confusion and need to resolve it. We have paused all general verifications while we work and will report back soon.”
Following this, Twitter announced that it would be revamping its verification process and creating new guidelines to ensure that the blue tick was only given to accounts that met certain criteria. These new guidelines were released on May 20, 2021, and included six categories of accounts that were eligible for verification:
- Government
- Companies, brands, and organizations
- News organizations and journalists
- Entertainment
- Sports and gaming
- Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals
Under the new guidelines, accounts must provide evidence of their identity and meet specific criteria for each category. For example, a news organization must provide links to their website and demonstrate that they are regularly producing content. A sports figure must be featured on a team website and have a certain number of followers.
What Does This Mean for Users?
Users who currently have a blue tick but do not meet the new guidelines will have their verification removed starting today. This includes accounts that have been inactive or have not met the criteria for their category. Users who lose their blue tick will still be able to apply for verification under the new guidelines.
For users who are currently seeking verification, the process will now be more transparent and consistent. The new guidelines provide clear criteria for each category, and users can track their verification status through the platform.
How to Apply for Verification Under the New Guidelines
To apply for verification under the new guidelines, users must go to their account settings and click on “Request Verification.” They will then be asked to provide their identity information and evidence that they meet the criteria for their category.
For example, a news organization must provide links to their website and demonstrate that they are regularly producing content. A sports figure must be featured on a team website and have a certain number of followers.
The verification process may take several weeks, as Twitter staff review each application individually. However, the new guidelines are meant to make the process more transparent and consistent, so users can have a better understanding of what is required.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a vocal critic of Twitter’s verification process for some time. He has stated that the blue tick should be awarded based on merit and not simply because of one’s status or affiliation. Musk also believes that the current verification system is not transparent and can be easily manipulated by those in power.
Conclusion
Twitter’s decision to remove legacy blue ticks and implement new verification guidelines is a step towards improving the platform’s credibility and transparency. Elon Musk’s deadline has pushed Twitter to take action and ensure that the blue tick is only given to accounts that meet specific criteria. While the verification process may take some time, it will be more transparent and consistent under the new guidelines.
