Twitter delays rollout of blue check verification plan until after US midterm polls

Twitter is delaying the rollout of account verifications for its subscription plan for Twitter Blue until after the US midterm elections.

Twitter logo

Elon Musk delays Twitter verification plan

According to CNN, this was confirmed to them by a source with knowledge of the decision.

This comes a day after the platform released an updated version of its iOS app that promises to allow users who pay monthly subscription to get a blue checkmark. This feature was Elon Musk’s proposed way to curb spam on the platform.

Musk is now the CEO of Twitter.

In its latest version, users will have to pay USD 7.99 monthly (around PHP 466) to avail of the Twitter Blue verification feature, just like the celebrities, companies, and politicians you already follow.

The checkmark shows the authenticity of government officials, prominent figures, and journalists.

Based on the test conducted by CNN on Saturday, the rollout was not yet complete ahead of Sunday’s decision.

While the new Twitter account created availed for the paid feature, it did not show the checkmark on the public profile. The platform also appeared to be charging USD 4.99 (around PHP 285), an outdated price.

The decision to charge users for verification was heavily criticized. Some celebrities using the platform even posed as Musk over the weekend and revealed potential flaw in the "Blue Check" system.

For one, comedian Sarah Silverman used her verified account to troll Musk, copying his profile picture, cover image, and name.

I am a freedom of speech absolutist and I eat doody for breakfast every day, Silverman tweeted Saturday, while also retweeting posts supporting Democratic candidates.

Actress Valerie Bertinelli also changed her account name to the Twitter CEO's, and tweeted  "[t]he blue checkmark simply meant your identity was verified. Scammers would have a harder time impersonating you. That no longer applies. Good luck out there!"

She also Tweeted and retweeted support for several Democratic candidates and hashtags, including "VoteBlueForDemocracy" and “#VoteBlueIn2022."

Earlier, Musk tweeted: "Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying ‘parody’ will be permanently suspended."

He also said that a name change on Twitter will "cause temporary loss of verified checkmark."

Moreover, Musk said users will no longer receive warning prior to suspension.

"This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue," he noted.

Do you think this this paid subscription plan will be effective?

Source: CNN