Twitter launches its verification program, things you should note

Microblogging platform, Twitter has officially launched its verification program for all users. Meaning, users can apply and get the blue checkmark displayed on their profile. The blue badge is meant to distinguish the authenticity of accounts that are of high public interest.

This new announcement is coming after the process was discontinued about 3 years ago.

The company said following feedback from the public, it has updated its verification process and has begun removing the blue badge from previously verified Twitter accounts that have since been found to be either incomplete, inactive, or in violation of Twitter’s rules.

This time, the company said it is focusing on three main goals: transparency, credibility, and clarity for verification on the platform.

The social network says that in order to be verified, the user needs to be notable, authentic, and active because this is what other users expect from these kinds of accounts. The account also needs to have a complete profile, which means you need to have a profile name, a profile image, and either a confirmed email address or phone number to be verified.

As for now, there are six categories listed below that are qualified for verification:

• Government
• Companies, brands, and organizations
• News organizations and journalists
• Entertainment
• Sports and gaming
• Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals

Later this year, scientists, religious leaders, and academics will also be eligible as a qualified category for verification.

As for now, if you want to ask Twitter to verify you, just head to the Account Settings tab on your iPhone app. The social network says if you don’t see this update immediately, don’t worry. It’s gradually rolling out to everyone in the next couple of weeks.

All Twitter users will be able to ask for verification once in about 30 days. The verification method includes, apart from the six categories, an identity verification, such as an official website, email address, and government-issued ID. The company says all verification processes will be handled by a team of humans, and depending on how many applications the platform receives, it can take from one to four weeks.

The microblogging platform has said that the new rules will ensure that those with verified accounts lead by example, “tweet others how they want to be tweeted and serve the public conversation authentically, respectfully, and with consideration”.

Plans for the future?

Twitter says it’s now working on revamping the user’s profile page, which it hasn’t updated since 2014. The company is also looking to create an “About” tab that will have the user’s pronouns if the account has confirmed its email or phone number, as well as the Translator badge that is currently next to its @.

Apart from verification, Twitter will label bots starting in July. For example, bots that are used for checking the weather or where to schedule your vaccination are going to receive a special label to help users understand they are trusted accounts.

The company is also working on a Memorial account, which will launch later this year.