Twitter is relaunching its verification system, and is seeking public feedback on its new policy ahead of the launch itself in 2021.
Verified accounts on Twitter receive a blue tick next to their name, establishing that the user is who they claim to be.
The social media platform put a temporary hold on its general verifications two years ago following complaints about its ‘blue ticks’ lending gravitas to controversial figures.
The move to pause verifications came after an outcry over Twitter putting a coveted blue tick next to the account of alt-right activist Jason Kessler, who organised the rally attended by white supremacists in Charlottesville in August 2017.
Twitter said it will focus on verifying six types of accounts initially: those of government officials; companies, brands and non-profit organisations; news; entertainment; sports; and activists, organisers and other “influential individuals”.
The company also said there are many verified accounts which should not have the blue tick, and it aims to remove it from them.
According to the new proposed policy, “the blue verified badge on Twitter lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic” and does not indicate that Twitter endorses their views.
RN