Tech

Wait: Elon Musk wants people to PAY for their verified blue checkmark status?

One of the most coveted things a Twitter user can have–especially a user of some renown–is a blue checkmark, signifying that the user has been verified as who they say they are. A blue checkmark is supposed to signify that that person is who they say they are. It’s about trust and accountability, right?

A new internal document says that Twitter is planning to start $20 a month to have and maintain blue checkmark status in order to increase revenue. What could possibly go wrong?

For starters, if you lose your checkmark, someone could set up an account impersonating you and then pay to have that fake account verified, undermining all trust and accountability.

Elon Musk, the new Chief Twit (the title he bestowed upon himself), confirmed that the verification process is being revamped. It’s also said that if coders don’t launch this by November 7, they’ll be fired.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39816 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

3 thoughts on “Wait: Elon Musk wants people to PAY for their verified blue checkmark status?

  • Don’t tell me you didn’t see that coming….Facebook will probably follow suit

    Reply
  • “For starters, if you lose your checkmark, someone could set up an account impersonating you and then pay to have that fake account verified, undermining all trust and accountability.”

    Really?
    1: If you are looking for trust and accountability, is social media in any format where you want to start your search?

    2: The imposter would have to prove they are that person in order to pay so …..

    You didn’t really think this one out, did you?

    Reply
  • I’m with you John. To me, this is the first smart idea I’ve heard from Elon about Twitter. The blue check mark has never meant “trustworthy” to anyone in the know about IT security. And in general I could give two you-know-what’s about blue checkmarks, so let the rich and famous (or the “wish they were rich and famous, but stupid”) people pay for it, and I’ll go on my merry way not having one

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.