Legacy Blue Checkmarks Are Now Gone From Twitter: What It Means for Verified Users
Twitter has made some significant changes to its verification process, including the removal of blue checkmarks for accounts that previously qualified under the old rules. Legacy blue checkmarks are now gone from Twitter, leaving many verified users confused and frustrated with the platform’s new policies.
What were legacy blue checkmarks?
For years, Twitter has used the blue checkmark to indicate accounts that have been verified by the platform. These accounts were typically given the checkmark if they were “notable” individuals in fields such as politics, entertainment, and media. This verification was meant to indicate that the user was who they claimed to be, reducing the likelihood of impersonation and promoting trust on the platform.
However, these blue checkmarks were not handed out consistently, and Twitter’s verification process was widely criticized for being opaque and arbitrary. As a result, the company announced in 2021 that it would be revamping its verification process, establishing new criteria for determining which accounts qualify for the coveted blue checkmark.
What has changed?
Under the platform’s new verification process, Twitter is more explicit about the criteria it uses to determine which accounts are eligible for verification. The company now requires users to provide additional information about themselves, such as proof of identity and evidence of “active and complete” profiles.
While these changes have been welcomed by some, others have been left out in the cold. In particular, users who were previously verified under the old system but who no longer meet the new criteria have lost their blue checkmarks. These people are referred to as “legacy” verified users.
Why are legacy blue checkmarks gone from Twitter?
According to Twitter, the decision to remove legacy blue checkmarks was made in order to make the verification process more equitable and transparent. The company has stated that it wants its verification system to reflect “what matters to the public” and to ensure that verified accounts are “actively using the platform in a manner that is consistent with the public interest.”
However, many users are unhappy with this decision, as they feel that the loss of their blue checkmark has devalued their account’s credibility and legitimacy. Some have even accused Twitter of punishing users for its own past failures in managing the verification process.
What can verified users do now?
If you were previously verified on Twitter but no longer have a blue checkmark, you may be able to reapply under the new verification process. However, you’ll need to provide updated information about yourself and your account, and you may not qualify under the new criteria.
In the meantime, you can take steps to make your account more credible and trustworthy to your followers. This includes regularly sharing high-quality content, interacting with other users, and promoting transparency and authenticity in all your online interactions.
Final thoughts
Twitter’s decision to remove legacy blue checkmarks has been a controversial one, with many users feeling frustrated and confused about the new verification process. However, these changes are part of a broader effort by the platform to address longstanding criticisms of its verification system and promote greater transparency and trust on the platform. While the loss of a blue checkmark may be disappointing, it’s important to remember that credibility and legitimacy are determined by much more than a simple symbol on a profile.
