A report from Platformer has allegedly revealed that verified Twitter users might have to pay to keep their blue ticks after Elon Musk‘s £38 billion takeover.
Announced close to the deadline on Friday, rumours have been flying ever since the takeover was confirmed, ranging from content moderation policies to this latest potential change to Twitter’s verification process.
Executives have reportedly been discussing whether to make Twitter “verified badges” a paid feature on Twitter Blue, sources told Platformer.
Twitter Blue is the platform’s $4.99 subscription service, only available in the US, Canada Australia, and New Zealand. It launched last year and offers early access to features such as the ability to edit tweets, customisable app icons, and a “reader mode” to easily view lengthier tweets.
Some news from inside Elon’s war room: Twitter is strongly considering making verified users pay $4.99 a month to keep their badges.
— Casey Newton (@CaseyNewton) October 30, 2022
Many questions remain. Subscribe to read ➡️https://t.co/vXm4wLbhBm pic.twitter.com/8LkpKTHTuv
Reports suggest that the subscription fee would also increase to $19.99 with the added feature.
If the move went ahead, Twitter would be the first social media app to require payment for verified status. Other platforms such as Instagram and TikTok offer a form of verification for free.
Verified users would have 90 days to subscribe or lose their blue tick, according to The Verge. Allegedly, Twitter employees working on the project were told on Sunday, October 30 that if they don’t meet the deadline of November 7, they will be fired. This echoes the harsh workplace environment that was talked about even before the takeover was confirmed.
On Sunday, Musk tweeted that the “whole verification process is being revamped” but did not clarify any further details. In separate tweets, he said that there are plans to alter the content moderation processes but they haven’t begun yet.
The whole verification process is being revamped right now
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 30, 2022
