Twitter verification returns next year, but how the process will work is slightly different to before. Ever since Twitter suspended its verified program, the question has remained when the micro-blogging platform would reactivate again. Although Twitter provided some details on the return of a blue check mark last month, the company has now provided more granular information.
Becoming verified on a social media platform like Twitter has always been considered a badge of honor by many users. However, with social media platforms having to now contend with misinformation, disinformation, copy, and even parody accounts, the need to be able to tell the world ‘this is me’ carries even more weight in 2020 (and beyond) than ever before. In spite of this greater need, Twitter suspended its verification process back in 2017 and while some have managed to get verified since then, that’s been at Twitter’s discretion, and mostly reserved for high profile and/or extremely topical accounts.
Following a recent teaser of the return of a blue badge in early 2021, Twitter has now confirmed that the changes to its verification system will begin taking effect in stages, starting on January 20, 2021. As to be expected, Twitter is likely to be inundated with requests once the system opens up again. To combat this, Twitter has confirmed that, in addition to human reviewers, automated processes will also be used to speed up the time it takes to get verified.
How The New Twitter Verified Process works
As well as confirming the rolling out of the new verification system over the next few months, the company also explained how the process will work in general. As a result, getting verified in 2021 and beyond will require the use a self-serve application process that can be initially accessed and activated through the user’s Account Settings page in the Twitter app, or through the website. In addition to manually requesting verification, users will be expected to pick a category (from preset options) that best explains why they should be verified. This won’t simply be a matter of choosing one, as Twitter will also require some proof to verify the category inclusion and reasoning, such as links to “supporting materials.”
Although getting verified is going to be the main focus for those who are looking to upgrade their Twitter status, this is only one of many changes Twitter is making to the 'who’s who' on the platform. For example, Twitter will also be reevaluating, and in some cases, removing verified status from users that are deemed inappropriate or inactive. Furthermore, a blue check mark won’t be the only label in use on accounts, with the company planning to launch others to denote different Twitter account types, including bots.
Source: Twitter