Twitter Faces Backlash After Removing ‘Legacy Verified’ Checkmarks; Here’s what users are saying
The day has come – all “heritage” verified hashtags have disappeared on Twitter, except for a few celebrities chosen by Elon Musk. Following the move, previously verified accounts have had nothing but disapproval — with many criticizing the move, even calling it the “worst move” in Twitter history.
Twitter’s verification program was first launched about 14 years ago to prevent celebrities, notables and journalists from appearing and to prevent the spread of misinformation. However, you can get the desired checkmark only by purchasing Twitter Blue for Rs 650/month online and Rs 900/month on iOS and Android devices.
When the verification badges were removed, Twitter erupted with users expressing their sadness, with some admitting they had fun on the platform before Musk took over the company in October last year.
Here’s what Twitter users — including celebrities — had to say about it:
I like this world. To verify an artist, buy tickets, not ticks— Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 21, 2023
Wow verification is finally gone! Big sad!— iJustine (@ijustine) April 20, 2023
Even athletes and WWE wrestlers — including Sheamus and Alexa Bliss — haven’t been spared by the checkmark purge.
Who’s face do i gotta brogue kick? https://t.co/2t15YlWraA— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) April 20, 2023
Just wanna get this out before anyone sees fake accounts…My only accounts are @RaquelWWE on Twitter & Instagram. Don’t fall for any scammers asking for money or anything else!
— Raquel (@RaquelWWE) April 20, 2023
I’m down for this. https://t.co/6LRWqyd89N— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) April 21, 2023
Four Reasons I won’t buy #TwitterBlue: pic.twitter.com/tBkAPBe8IR— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) April 21, 2023
Seriously, several journalists have pointed out the harmful consequences that this action can cause. “Elon thinks this is a funny joke. As a former verified account that lost its blue checkmark, I know how dangerous this really is. People are going to die,” Julie Melner, who is a reporter, said.
He added: “Celebrities are being vilified left and right. Internet streaming Hasan Piker has drawn attention to several impersonators. Including one who tells people he’s gay. I can’t find the words to explain what a big deal this is.”
It is uncertain what the long-term effects of this move will be, including whether impersonation will become a serious problem for Twitter.
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