The Coveted Blue Tick is Back! Twitter Resumes Verification of Profiles after Three Years.

Twitter has resumed verifying profiles on its platform once again. The process will be a bit different than before. Twitter will also take away the verified status of inactive and incomplete profiles. The social media platform had stopped verifying profiles in 2017 after a controversy had erupted over Twitter verifying the profile of a white supremacist. Now, Twitter has restarted the process to combat fake accounts.

What are verified profiles on Twitter?

Verified profiles on Twitter indicate that the profile is authentic. The blue tick/badge on a profile shows that that the profile is verified. There are verified profiles on other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc too.

Why did Twitter stop verification?

Technically, Twitter did not completely stop verifying accounts in 2017. The process was just internalized until now. The company was upset with the perception problem that these verified accounts created as people mistook verification for endorsement. It did not want to be seen as biased, hence, it stopped the process.

Which profiles are suited for verification?

Twitter has created six categories, it has revealed that profiles that fall under these six categories will be eligible for verification. 

1. Government
2. Companies, brands, and non-profit organizations
3. News organizations and journalists
4. Entertainment
5. Sports and esports
6. Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals

It has also revealed that will add more categories to the existing ones to make the process of verification easier.

How to apply to get verified?

Twitter will soon launch a self-serve application that will let users complete their verification process online. This self-serve portal will be available in the Account Settings section on the web page and app. Users will be asked to confirm their identity and the details they have provided. If they are associated with a company, then they must also show proof of their relationship with the company.

Which profiles will get their verified status taken away?

Twitter has made it clear that it will remove the blue tick from certain accounts. Only accounts that are inactive or incomplete. The company has sent a mail to those whose blue tick is in danger of being taken away. The profiles which have violated Twitter’s guidelines will also lose their blue tick.

It looks like Twitter is tired of fake profiles on the platform. The verification process will certainly help Twitter create a safe space for all.