Twitter to resume public verification in 2021

Twitter, American microblogging and social networking service on which users post and interact with messages known as “tweets” says it plans to relaunch the verification of public accounts on its platform in 2021 alongside fresh guidelines for users seeking out its blue badge.

The company broke the news on Tuesday in a blogpost wherein it called on the public to give feedback ahead of next year.

“Three years ago, we paused our public verification program after hearing feedback that it felt arbitrary and confusing to many people,” the microblogging giant wrote in the post, which included a brief survey for users.

“A year later, we deprioritized this work further to focus on protecting the integrity of the public conversation around critical moments like the 2020 US election.

“We haven’t been clear about who can get verified and when, why an account might be unverified, or what it means to be verified. We know how important it is to be able to express yourself and understand who you’re talking to.

“So today, we’re sharing the start of our plans to revamp how people can identify themselves on Twitter, starting with verification and asking the public to share feedback on a draft of our new verification policy.

“Calling for public feedback has become an important part of our policy development process because we want to ensure that, as an open service, our rules reflect the voices of the people who use Twitter.

“We plan to relaunch verification, including a new public application process, in early 2021. But first, we need to update our verification policy with your help.”

On its draft proposal for verification, Twitter said if no changes result from public feedback, accounts that would be eligible for verification would include government accounts, companies, brands, as well as those of nonprofits.

Others are news media accounts, entertainment, sports, activists, organisers, and “other influential individuals.”

“The blue verified badge and account labels are two of the ways we help distinguish notable, authentic accounts on Twitter,” the platform added.

“This year, we’ve verified medical experts Tweeting about #COVID19 and added account labels to identify candidates running for office.

“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, such as new account types and labels.”