Controversy Over Twitter’s Blue Verification Badge and the Backlash Against Monthly Fees
The decision by Twitter to remove the blue verification badges from the accounts of users who didn’t pay a monthly fee caused a stir across the globe. The blue verification badge was introduced in 2009 and was meant to verify the authenticity of high-profile users. The badge was a sign of credibility and importance, indicating that the account was owned by a real person or organization.
Initially, Twitter’s plan was to offer the blue verification badge to all users who could prove their identity. But as the platform grew, Twitter started to limit the badge to certain categories of users such as politicians, journalists, and celebrities. The decision to introduce a monthly fee for the verification badge was seen as an attempt by Twitter to monetize this exclusive feature.
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However, the decision faced severe backlash from users across the platform, with many questioning Twitter’s motives. The move was seen as a way to prioritize users with financial resources, leaving smaller accounts behind. Twitter faced significant criticism from users who argued that the blue badge was an essential feature of the platform.
The backlash was further intensified when some of America’s famous celebrities said they would not pay the Twitter verification subscription fee. One of the most vocal opponents was Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX. In a tweet, he said that he would pay their fees, which created a wave of support for the cause.
Twitter Reverses Decision on Verification Badge Fees, But Controversy Persists Over Exclusivity and Privilege
As a result of the backlash, Twitter eventually reversed its decision to charge users for verification badges. The move was welcomed by many users, who saw it as a win for small accounts on the platform. However, the decision to remove the badge from accounts that didn’t pay the monthly fee remained in place.
This decision was met with a mixed responses. While some users argued that the blue badge was an important feature that should be available to all, others saw it as a sign of privilege for high-profile users. The decision to return the blue badge for accounts with 1 million or more followers was seen as a compromise by Twitter, but it did not address the concerns of smaller accounts.
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The return of the blue badge to high-profile accounts was celebrated across the globe, with many famous celebrities expressing their relief. In India, the return of the blue badge to accounts such as Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Shahrukh Khan was seen as a significant win for Indian users. The return of the badge to deceased celebrities such as Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman was also seen as a fitting tribute to their legacy.
Twitter’s Handling of Verification Badge Fees Sparks Criticism and Calls for More Transparency and Options
Despite the positive response to the return of the blue badge, Twitter still faces criticism for handling the situation. Many users argue that the platform should have been more transparent about the decision to introduce a monthly fee for verification badges. Others say that Twitter should have offered more options to users, such as a one-time payment for the badge or a verification process based on other criteria such as engagement or activity on the platform.
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Twitter’s decision to introduce a monthly fee for the blue verification badge caused a significant amount of backlash from users across the globe. While the decision to return the badge to high-profile accounts was seen as a positive step, Twitter still faces criticism for handling the situation. As the platform continues to grow, it remains to be seen how Twitter will address the concerns of its users and maintain its position as a leading social media platform.
