Twitter relaunching the blue checkmark
Twitter is bringing back verification, that process that gives people those little blue check marks next to their names.
Twitter blue checkmarks
Supposedly the new process will have clearer guidelines as to who or what qualifies for verification, as that was always somewhat obscure before.
The info comes from the ever-reliable Jane Wong on Twitter, who showed screenshots of an updated settings menu that includes the words “request verification.” There’s a new section on the Account menu in the settings called “Personal Information,” which shows “Profile,” and “Request verification.” Beyond that, the menu is empty.
Twitter verification
Twitter later confirmed the feature to TechCrunch, and specified that it will, for the first time, publicly reveal who or what qualifies for the blue checkmark. Twitter verification rules used to be completely internal — you could apply and make your case, but Twitter’s actual rules were never clearly delineated — and it wasn’t always clear why Twitter gave verification to some people and not others. Now the exact qualifications will be public, for better or for worse.
While verification was only intended to be just what it sounded like, it tended to function as a mark of prestige, amplifying the voice of those who received it (whether Twitter wanted it to or not). The figurative levee broke when Twitter granted a blue tick to the organizer of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. While Twitter again said it wasn’t intended to be an endorsement, it still struck many as in very poor taste, as the verification implied he was somehow a noteworthy public figure whose voice needed to be safeguarded.
Since then, Twitter has massively scaled back its verifications in order to give the whole system an overhaul, meaning no one could apply for a blue tick (the support page on verified accounts listed the program as “on hold“).
While Twitter has verified some in the interim — including health officials who are experts on COVID-19 during the pandemic — it’s not really offered the option for individual users. Now, almost three years later, it finally appears to be bringing it back.
We’ll have to see how many people get verified when this new system rolls out — and also how stringent Twitter‘s rules will be on who qualifies. And just as a sidenote, given how many new features she reveals, I hope the first recipient of the new wave of Twitter blue checkmarks is Jane Wong herself.
How can I get verified on Twitter?
TWITTER blue ticks are considered one of social media’s ultimate honours, conferring an account of public interest is authentic.
But can you still get verified on Twitter?
The prestigious Twitter blue tick badge appears prominently on an account’s profile and also nestles next to the account name in search results. Verified badges must be applied by Twitter, and the social media giant takes any perceived misuse of the blue tick extremely seriously. Should an unverified blue tick form part of a profile picture, background photo, or any other way implying Twitter verified status could be subject to a permanent account suspension.
Can I get verified on Twitter?
Twitter’s verified account program has unfortunately been paused since November 2017, meaning the site is sadly not accepting new requests at the moment.
Although anyone could previously apply to become verified, only those affiliated with Twitter can currently receive a blue tick.
Twitter made the decision to suspend public applications following consternation concerning the verification of a notorious white supremacist.
As Twitter stated in its original announcement, it does not want to mislead people into thinking a verification is an endorsement.
@TwitterSupport wrote at the time: “Verification was meant to authenticate identity & voice but it is interpreted as an endorsement or an indicator of importance.
“We recognise 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.”
Only a week after pausing the verification program, Twitter announced it was working on a new solution, although nothing has yet materialised.
Recommended Twitter security precautions for verified accounts:
Verified Twitter accounts may become targets for hacking or phishing campaigns.
Twitter has consequently provided detailed precautions for all users, but in particular users with verified blue tick accounts:
Always activate login verification, meaning a second security check is required in order to log in to Twitter.
Users lucky enough to have an already verified account will be auto-enrolled to require personal information, such as a phone number and email address to reset your password.
For added security, Twitter recommends users keep this featured permanently enabled.
Always exhibit extreme caution when deciding whether to allow third-party apps access to your account.
Review connections frequently, and revoke access to any unfamiliar apps.
Finally, make sure the email address associated with your account is secure.
How to avoid losing your Twitter blue tick :
Twitter reserves the right to remove users’ verification at any time without notice.
Intentionally misleading people on Twitter by changing one’s display name or bio.
Promoting hate and/or violence against, or directly attacking or threatening other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease. Supporting organisations or individuals that promote the above.
Inciting or engaging in harassment of others, or exhibiting violence and dangerous behaviour.
Directly or indirectly threatening or encouraging any form of physical violence against an individual or any group of people, including threatening or promoting terrorism.
Violent, gruesome, shocking, or disturbing imagery, including self-harm or suicide.
Engaging in activity on Twitter that violates the Twitter rules.
That blue tick is great, but
Twitter can unverify you too: Here’s why it can happen
Twitter mentions on its Verified account FAQs page at the Help Centre that the platform reserves the right to “to remove verification at any time without notice”.
Twitter is bringing its precious blue tick back. If you have spend a significant amount of time on Twitter, like half your life, like we have, you’ll know that the conspicuous blue tick is terribly hard to score. There are many parameters Twitter considers before it allows you to get verified.
However, verification highs aside, Twitter can also unverify you. Of course, there are certain caveats in place and if you happen to violate any of them via tweets from your verified handle, Twitter can take that blue tick away.
Twitter mentions under a section called ‘Loss of verified status’ on its Verified account FAQs page at the Help Centre that the platform reserves the right to “to remove verification at any time without notice”.
The reasons Twitter might unverify you include –
– Intentionally misleading people on Twitter by changing one’s display name or bio.
– Promoting hate and/or violence against, or directly attacking or threatening other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease. Supporting organizations or individuals that promote the above.
– Inciting or engaging in harassment of others.
– Violence and dangerous behavior –
Directly or indirectly threatening or encouraging any form of physical violence against an individual or any group of people, including threatening or promoting terrorism
Violent, gruesome, shocking, or disturbing imagery
– Engaging in activity on Twitter that violates the Twitter Rules.
If you didn’t know what the rules were, you can check them out here.
Twitter also adds that “a verified account may also lose its verified status if changes to the profile settings modify the account’s original purpose”.
The platform says that it may remove the verified badge and verified status at any point in time and if you lose your badge and status, you may not be eligible to have them restored.
So if you have a verified account, you ought to be very careful about what you tweet and share.
