Popular social media platform Twitter inc. on late Tuesday announced that it would be reviving its controversial verification process early next year along with brand-new guidelines for users seeking out the blue badge.
Twitter Inc. has asked users to provide feedback on what the requirements should be for the coveted blue checkmark.
As of now Twitter has highlighted six types of account that will qualify for verification, but suggested others may come later:
- Government
- Companies, brands, and non-profits
- News
- Entertainment
- Sports
- Activists, organizers and other influential individuals
“Three years ago, we paused our public verification program after hearing feedback that it felt arbitrary and confusing to many people…We plan to relaunch verification, including a new public application process, in early 2021. But first, we need to update our verification policy with your help.” Twitter wrote in a blog post.
Twitter has also announced new rules explaining when a verification badge could be stripped off a user. If a verified user changes their display name or bio to mislead people on their true identity, Twitter could pull their badge. Repeat terms of service violations will also lead to loss of verified status.
“But the blue verified badge isn’t the only way we are planning to distinguish accounts on Twitter. Heading into 2021, we’re committed to giving people more ways to identify themselves through their profiles, such as new account types and labels,” Twitter’s Tuesday blog post read. “We’ll share more in the coming weeks. This is just the beginning of what we have planned for 2021.”
To give feedback, Twitter has asked that you tag #VerificationFeedback in the tweets or take a survey on its policy before December 8th.
