Twitter has recently announced some significant changes, causing controversy among its users. The platform’s new subscription model, Twitter Blue, limits access to the “For You” timeline to only paid subscribers, sparking outrage from many who feel the move is unfair. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s changes to the verification system are causing chaos and confusion. Let’s take a closer look at these developments.
Limiting “For You” Timeline Access
On Tuesday, Twitter announced that the “For You” tab would be limited only to users who pay £8 per month for “Twitter Blue” and have linked their accounts to a working phone number. This move is aimed at preventing bot swarms from dominating the section. However, many users voiced their backlash against this plan, with some arguing that it creates a divide between those who can afford to pay and those who cannot.
Elon Musk, who has been focused on the prominence of automated spam accounts, tweeted his support for restricting access as the only realistic way to address bot swarms taking over. However, he later clarified that accounts users follow directly will also be visible in the “for you” tab since users have explicitly asked for them.
Changes in Verification System
Last year, Elon Musk changed Twitter’s verification program, allowing anyone to pay for a verified checkmark. This led to trolls and comedians making fake accounts for notable figures and companies. One fake tweet from a user pretending to be Eli Lilly caused a $15 billion drop in the company’s stock.
The CEO of Twitter recently announced that legacy verified accounts will lose their blue checks on April 1st. This change prompted Musk’s warning that legacy verification would be removed in April Fools’ Day, which seemed suspicious to many of his followers.
Musk also mentioned that only verified accounts would be featured in the “For You” tab, but later clarified that tweets from users they follow would still show up. The change is meant to combat bot accounts, but Musk clarified that verified bot accounts are acceptable if they follow terms of service and don’t impersonate humans.
As part of Musk’s plan to shift Twitter away from its dependence on advertising revenue, verified accounts will be the only ones eligible for “For You” recommendations and voting in polls starting on April 15th. Users with a free blue checkmark will lose it in April unless they agree to pay a subscription fee.
Controversy and Confusion
Twitter’s checkmark system is already confusing, as it can denote significant cultural figures but also individuals willing to pay Musk £8. The different types of checkmarks and the app’s color scheme further confuse the system.
It is likely that changes to the verification system will cause chaos and confusion, creating opportunities for users to trick big brands. Actor William Shatner even clashed with Elon Musk on Twitter over the subscription fee for verification.
These changes are seen by some as necessary steps towards cleaning up Twitter’s platform. However, others worry that these moves will further divide users and make the social media site more exclusive. The controversy that these announcements have created proves that any change made to such a popular platform like Twitter can never please everyone.
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