This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/524380-twitter-opens-verification-checkmark/
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| For first time since 2017, Twitter re-opens verification for its best-behaved users | For first time since 2017, Twitter re-opens verification for its best-behaved users |
| (4 months later) | |
| Twitter has relaunched its verification program, and will allow clout-chasing users to apply for the coveted (in some circles) blue checkmark. Users who’ve broken Twitter’s rules, however, shouldn’t waste their time. | Twitter has relaunched its verification program, and will allow clout-chasing users to apply for the coveted (in some circles) blue checkmark. Users who’ve broken Twitter’s rules, however, shouldn’t waste their time. |
| The social media giant announced the news on Thursday, stating over a series of tweets that verification would be immediately opened to the public, via a button on its app. Users who prove their identity, and whose accounts are deemed “authentic,” “notable” and “active” will be able to add the iconic blue checkmark to their profile. | The social media giant announced the news on Thursday, stating over a series of tweets that verification would be immediately opened to the public, via a button on its app. Users who prove their identity, and whose accounts are deemed “authentic,” “notable” and “active” will be able to add the iconic blue checkmark to their profile. |
| Accounts eligible include those connected with governments, brands or companies, media, entertainment, sports and gaming, and “activists, organizers, & other influential individuals.” Scientists, academics and religious leaders will be added later this year. Accounts previously suspended for “harmful activity” or “hateful content” need not apply, Twitter noted. | Accounts eligible include those connected with governments, brands or companies, media, entertainment, sports and gaming, and “activists, organizers, & other influential individuals.” Scientists, academics and religious leaders will be added later this year. Accounts previously suspended for “harmful activity” or “hateful content” need not apply, Twitter noted. |
| Twitter began verifying the accounts of users “at risk of impersonation” in 2009, and opened applications up to the public in 2016. Yet at the time the system didn’t have clear criteria setting out which accounts deserved verification and which didn’t. Applications were suspended in 2017 when it emerged that a prominent white nationalist who helped organize the infamous ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, held verified status. | Twitter began verifying the accounts of users “at risk of impersonation” in 2009, and opened applications up to the public in 2016. Yet at the time the system didn’t have clear criteria setting out which accounts deserved verification and which didn’t. Applications were suspended in 2017 when it emerged that a prominent white nationalist who helped organize the infamous ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, held verified status. |
| This time around, accounts censored for political reasons or otherwise at any point over the last 12 months will not be eligible, a rule that is likely to exclude a significant cohort of right-wingers. | This time around, accounts censored for political reasons or otherwise at any point over the last 12 months will not be eligible, a rule that is likely to exclude a significant cohort of right-wingers. |
| Those users likely wouldn’t care much for the checkmark anyway. While to some users the badge symbolizes trustworthiness, to others the terms “checkmark” or “bluecheck” have become derogatory terms, used to denote the establishment-friendly types awarded verification. Some verified users, naturally enough, complain about this apparent “slur” against them. | Those users likely wouldn’t care much for the checkmark anyway. While to some users the badge symbolizes trustworthiness, to others the terms “checkmark” or “bluecheck” have become derogatory terms, used to denote the establishment-friendly types awarded verification. Some verified users, naturally enough, complain about this apparent “slur” against them. |
| Twitter also plans to add an ‘about’ tab to users’ profiles, in which they can list their location, interests and, of course, their preferred pronouns. Listing these gender pronouns is already popular, not just among LGBT and transgender activists, but also among the ‘woke’ crowd. | Twitter also plans to add an ‘about’ tab to users’ profiles, in which they can list their location, interests and, of course, their preferred pronouns. Listing these gender pronouns is already popular, not just among LGBT and transgender activists, but also among the ‘woke’ crowd. |
| Like this story? Share it with a friend! | Like this story? Share it with a friend! |
| Dear readers and commenters, | |
| We have implemented a new engine for our comment section. We hope the transition goes smoothly for all of you. Unfortunately, the comments made before the change have been lost due to a technical problem. We are working on restoring them, and hoping to see you fill up the comment section with new ones. You should still be able to log in to comment using your social-media profiles, but if you signed up under an RT profile before, you are invited to create a new profile with the new commenting system. | |
| Sorry for the inconvenience, and looking forward to your future comments, | |
| RT Team. |