Elon Musk's Twitter Purge: A Mixed Bag for Users
In a surprise move, Twitter announced plans to "wind down" the blue check marks granted under its old verification system, effectively targeting high-profile users who had long been protected by the feature. However, instead of a mass purge, it appears that only one account was singled out - the main Twitter page of The New York Times.
The decision has left many legacy blue check holders wondering why their verification marks were not deleted, but rather were appended with a new label reading "This account is verified because it's subscribed to Twitter Blue or is a legacy verified account." This change makes it unclear whether verified accounts are notable individuals or simply users who have paid for the premium service.
While some high-profile users had warned Musk that removing blue checks would create confusion and make it easier for scammers, it seems that the billionaire's vision remains unchanged. In fact, he has previously stated that changes to Twitter's verification system are meant to "treat everyone equally."
The move comes as part of a larger effort by Musk to introduce paid features on the platform. Users who want blue checks will have to pay $8 per month for the premium service, which has allowed accounts to pay for verification since December. This change has been met with criticism from some experts, who argue that reserving verification for paid users may not reduce the number of bots on the site.
The decision also raises questions about the role of legacy blue check marks in protecting high-profile users from impersonation. While Musk's plan aims to create a level playing field, critics worry that it could make it easier for scammers and bots to target prominent users.
As Twitter continues to navigate its new policies, one thing is clear - the platform's changes have created more confusion than clarity for users. The move has also sparked controversy over whether verified accounts should be subject to the same standards as regular users. Only time will tell if Musk's vision for a paid verification system will come to fruition.
In a surprise move, Twitter announced plans to "wind down" the blue check marks granted under its old verification system, effectively targeting high-profile users who had long been protected by the feature. However, instead of a mass purge, it appears that only one account was singled out - the main Twitter page of The New York Times.
The decision has left many legacy blue check holders wondering why their verification marks were not deleted, but rather were appended with a new label reading "This account is verified because it's subscribed to Twitter Blue or is a legacy verified account." This change makes it unclear whether verified accounts are notable individuals or simply users who have paid for the premium service.
While some high-profile users had warned Musk that removing blue checks would create confusion and make it easier for scammers, it seems that the billionaire's vision remains unchanged. In fact, he has previously stated that changes to Twitter's verification system are meant to "treat everyone equally."
The move comes as part of a larger effort by Musk to introduce paid features on the platform. Users who want blue checks will have to pay $8 per month for the premium service, which has allowed accounts to pay for verification since December. This change has been met with criticism from some experts, who argue that reserving verification for paid users may not reduce the number of bots on the site.
The decision also raises questions about the role of legacy blue check marks in protecting high-profile users from impersonation. While Musk's plan aims to create a level playing field, critics worry that it could make it easier for scammers and bots to target prominent users.
As Twitter continues to navigate its new policies, one thing is clear - the platform's changes have created more confusion than clarity for users. The move has also sparked controversy over whether verified accounts should be subject to the same standards as regular users. Only time will tell if Musk's vision for a paid verification system will come to fruition.
So, Elon Musk just changed how Twitter works and now only one account got affected 
. The New York Times main page lost its blue check mark but still has it... kinda? 
Now, it's like anyone can get a blue check if they pay for the service 
or have an old verified account... yeah, that's confusing 
. I don't think this is a good idea at all 
. If someone wants to be taken seriously on Twitter, they should just pay $8/month 
. But what about bots and scammers? Won't they just start impersonating people with paid verification too? 
Not sure if I like this move 
and now some ppl are saying that this is gonna make it harder to know who's a legit account and who's not 
what if scammers start using twitter blue too? 
. Like, what even is the point of having blue checks anymore? Is it just for people who pay for Twitter Blue or does it mean something more? 
. But at the same time, I can see both sides - if only legit accounts have to pay, maybe that'll weed out all the bots and scammers 
. Still, it's pretty messed up for legacy blue check holders who don't want to shell out extra cash 
. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out 
? anyway, gotta wonder what the point is here... is it really about 'treatin everyone equal' or just tryna make some cash off twitter blue 
. But at least now we know what's goin on 
. It's like, the old system was pretty much just a way for big names to get special treatment 
, so I guess this is progress 
? Still got my doubts tho 