Recently, Twitter made headlines by removing the verified blue checkmark from the accounts of many high-profile users, including Beyoncé and Cristiano Ronaldo. While the blue checkmark has long been a status symbol on the platform, it is not without controversy, and many have questioned its true value.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Twitter verification process, the reasons why some accounts lost their blue checkmarks, and what it all means for the future of social media.
The Twitter Verification Process
The blue checkmark on Twitter is meant to signify that an account is authentic and belongs to a public figure, celebrity, or brand. It is not an endorsement or validation of the content that is posted on the account, but rather a confirmation of the account owner’s identity.
To become verified on Twitter, an account must meet certain criteria. According to Twitter’s website, an account must be “active and in good standing,” have a complete profile with a bio, profile picture, and header image, and have a confirmed email address and phone number. In addition, the account must be public, meaning that anyone can view the tweets and profile.
Beyond these basic requirements, Twitter also considers the following factors when determining whether to verify an account:
- Authenticity: Twitter wants to ensure that the person or entity claiming the account is actually who they say they are. This can be verified through official documentation, news articles, or other sources.
- Completeness: A verified account should have a complete profile, with a bio, profile picture, and header image. It should also have a clear purpose or theme, and the content should be relevant and engaging.
- Public Interest: Twitter considers whether an account is of public interest or not. This can include accounts belonging to celebrities, politicians, journalists, and other public figures.
Once an account has been verified, it is given a blue checkmark next to the username. This checkmark is meant to signal to other users that the account is authentic and belongs to the person or entity it claims to represent.
Reasons for Losing Verification
While the blue checkmark is meant to be a symbol of authenticity, it is not a permanent status. Twitter can and does remove the checkmark from accounts that no longer meet its verification criteria.
Recently, Twitter removed the blue checkmarks from a number of high-profile accounts, including those belonging to Beyoncé and Ronaldo
