Twitter announced it is re-launching its verification system in 2021 and will also issue new rules and guidelines for those who seek to have the small blue badge.
Starting next year, users will go through a new process of securing the small blue badge from Twitter. This developed as the micro-blogging platform announced it is re-launching its verification process in early 2021 and along with it, they are also set to issue new rules for users to get the small blue badge.
Twitter's blue badge is important in the sense that it lets everyone know that the account is authentic. For users to get the blue verified badge, your account on Twitter must be noteworthy and also active. It is not clear if the changes in the new blue badge rules and verification process set to launch in early 2021 will make it easier or more difficult for users. At present, users who wanted a Twitter blue verified badge simply need to update their profile with current data, verify their phone number and email address, and then submit a duly completed form requesting to be considered as a verified user.
The announcement of Twitter on Tuesday confirmed rumors circulating as early as June from Jane Manchun Wong, an app researcher. At the time, Wong suggested that Twitter was working on a new verification process and blue badge rules. That information was confirmed by Twitter in a blog post Tuesday, adding that the new system is set to roll out in 'early 2021.' The micro-blogging platform is also asking its users to comment on their draft verification proposal.
According to the draft of the new verification process and blue badge rules, only accounts that belong to companies, nonprofit organizations, government accounts, news media accounts, sports, activists, organizers, entertainment, and what the micro-blogging platform refer to as "other influential individuals" are eligible for verification. This means that if you do not belong to any of these categories, then it is highly likely you will not receive the 'verified account' status. In addition, each of these account types needs to meet particular requirements, such as having their profiles in a media outlet, to receive such verification.
After the period that Twitter allotted for users to feedback on its draft proposal, the micro-blogging platform will release on December 17 the final policy.
Twitter Verification to Relaunch in Early 2021 Following Public Feedback https://t.co/EbcAs5Vyvo pic.twitter.com/JUs7l2phPM — Emilee C Hatch (@EmileeCHatch) November 25, 2020
Twitter also announced new draft rules explaining when a verification badge could be taken away. If a verified user changes their display name or bio to mislead people on their true identity, Twitter could pull their badge. Repeat terms of service violations could also lead to loss of verified status.
We’re planning to relaunch Twitter’s verification policy and application process in early 2021. Our goal is to bring clarity to what verification on Twitter means, the criteria we’ll use for assessing verification, and how to apply. https://t.co/MCJoeQ3O7J — Kayvon Beykpour (@kayvz) November 24, 2020
"But the blue verified badge isn't the only way we are planning to distinguish accounts on Twitter. Heading into 2021, we're committed to giving people more ways to identify themselves through their profiles, such as new account types and labels," Twitter's Tuesday blog post read. "We'll share more in the coming weeks. This is just the beginning of what we have planned for 2021."
