Image credits: Bryce Durbin/TechCrunch
Elon Musk said Twitter will finally move to remove the old blue ticks on April 20th or 4/20 because he can’t let go of that joke. This is the “deadline,” he said in a tweet. If this move is implemented, Twitter will only have check marks for paid users, companies, government agencies, and officials.
The company initially announced last month that the old checkmarks would be removed on April 1st. But like many of the deadlines Musk has promised, history passed and nothing happened.
Earlier today, Musk gave an interview to the BBC during a Twitter Spaces session. When asked about how removing the check marks affects the spread of disinformation, Musk said “I think the media is a much more engine of disinformation than the media would like to admit.”
Earlier this month, at Tweet now deletedMusk indicated that the company would be giving “a few weeks’ grace” to older verified accounts.
Last month, Musk also said that Twitter would stop recommending unverified accounts on the “For You” algorithm starting April 15th. A Twitter Blue subscriber or an old verified account.” This made it difficult for people to differentiate between Twitter Blue subscribers and old verified accounts.
The social network is also reportedly working on government ID verification, which will be used by Twitter Blue users Hide their check marks.
In addition, Musk has been pressuring companies and media brands to pay for regulatory verification, which costs $1,000 per month. He took the check mark from The New York Times after the paper refused to pay for it. Apart from the New York Times, there are other publications such as The Washington Post and Politico They also said they would not charge any fees for verification.
Kazuo Ishiguro is a contributor to OE Mag, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.