Elon Musk's plan to remove blue check marks from Twitter users was met with confusion and frustration over the weekend, as many expected to lose their coveted verification badges. However, instead of carrying out his promise, Twitter singled out one account - that of The New York Times - for de-verification.
The decision came after a tweet by Musk in which he appeared to be "taking off" the blue check from the NYT's main account after it declined to pay $8 per month to join Twitter Blue. The move has sparked debate about the transparency and fairness of Twitter's verification system, with some arguing that it now makes it easier for scammers to impersonate high-profile users.
Under Musk's new plan, verified accounts would be required to pay a monthly fee to stay verified under Twitter's old system. However, instead of targeting all legacy blue check holders, Twitter appeared to focus on one specific account - the NYT's main account - which had previously indicated it wouldn't pay for verification.
The decision has raised questions about whether Musk is using his platform to target specific outlets or journalists he disagrees with. The NYT's spokesperson reiterated that the outlet will not be paying for verification, and its other accounts remain verified.
This move also highlights Twitter's ongoing struggle to balance its desire to monetize its features with the need to protect high-profile users from impersonation. Experts have warned that reserving verification for paid users may not reduce the number of bots on the site, a problem Musk has raised repeatedly.
The change also muddies the reason accounts are verified, potentially making it easier for scammers to target high-profile users. This has sparked concerns among experts and users about the long-term implications of Twitter's new verification system.
Musk has previously defended his plans as a way to "treat everyone equally," but critics argue that they create a two-tiered system where those who pay for verification are given preferential treatment over others. The billionaire has also used Twitter to lash out at journalists and media outlets, including the NYT, which some see as a clear example of his disdain for dissenting voices.
As Musk continues to shape Twitter in his image, concerns about transparency, fairness, and accountability will likely remain at the forefront of users' minds.
The decision came after a tweet by Musk in which he appeared to be "taking off" the blue check from the NYT's main account after it declined to pay $8 per month to join Twitter Blue. The move has sparked debate about the transparency and fairness of Twitter's verification system, with some arguing that it now makes it easier for scammers to impersonate high-profile users.
Under Musk's new plan, verified accounts would be required to pay a monthly fee to stay verified under Twitter's old system. However, instead of targeting all legacy blue check holders, Twitter appeared to focus on one specific account - the NYT's main account - which had previously indicated it wouldn't pay for verification.
The decision has raised questions about whether Musk is using his platform to target specific outlets or journalists he disagrees with. The NYT's spokesperson reiterated that the outlet will not be paying for verification, and its other accounts remain verified.
This move also highlights Twitter's ongoing struggle to balance its desire to monetize its features with the need to protect high-profile users from impersonation. Experts have warned that reserving verification for paid users may not reduce the number of bots on the site, a problem Musk has raised repeatedly.
The change also muddies the reason accounts are verified, potentially making it easier for scammers to target high-profile users. This has sparked concerns among experts and users about the long-term implications of Twitter's new verification system.
Musk has previously defended his plans as a way to "treat everyone equally," but critics argue that they create a two-tiered system where those who pay for verification are given preferential treatment over others. The billionaire has also used Twitter to lash out at journalists and media outlets, including the NYT, which some see as a clear example of his disdain for dissenting voices.
As Musk continues to shape Twitter in his image, concerns about transparency, fairness, and accountability will likely remain at the forefront of users' minds.
I'm telling ya, this whole thing is a total slippery slope. First, they're gonna start de-verification some outlets that don't play ball with Musk's $$ requirements, and next thing you know, it's anyone's game. Like what's the difference between paying for blue check and not? 
It smacks of censorship to me, and if you ask me, it's just another way for Musk to silence critics who don't see eye-to-eye with him.
. Twitter's got a tough road ahead of 'em trying to balance monetization with user protection, but this move only adds fuel to the fire 
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and it's all just a big mess. and what's with the NYT getting singled out? are they really worth making an example of for some billionaire's ego? 
meanwhile, all these bots are still flying around, and now we're worried about scammers impersonating legit users... it's like, can't we just have a fair system where everyone has equal access to info without having to shell out cash? 
it feels like we're losing something fundamental to the spirit of public discourse... 
? It just feels like Twitter's trying to create a two-tiered system where those who pony up get VIP treatment, while others are left in the dust 
. And honestly, I'm worried about all these bots and scammers running wild on the platform 
. Can't Musk see how this is gonna harm the users? 
. It's all about finding that balance between monetizing features & keeping scammers at bay 
. Musk's just trying to innovate & adapt – we should give him some credit for that 
. And let's be real, if the blue check is just a fancy sticker, maybe it's time for Twitter to rethink its whole verification system 
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. is he really using his platform to target specific outlets or journalists just because you disagree with them? that's super concerning 
It feels like he's trying to send a message or something, and not just following the rules. I mean, if you're going to change the verification system, at least be consistent about it, right? 
i get why twitter wants to monetize its features but they need to be careful not to ruin the whole thing 
musk's been using his platform to target specific ppl he disagrees with which is super sketchy 
can we just have some transparency and fairness here? 
. That's not fair at all! It feels like he's picking and choosing who gets to keep their blue badge, and that's really problematic 
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. anyway, i'm low-key relieved my blue check is still on 
, but i guess that won't last forever... 