Musk’s Twitter promised a purge of blue check marks. Instead he singled out the New York Times
On Saturday, Twitter users braced themselves for a significant shakeup in the platform’s verification process, which had been announced by Elon Musk. Many high-profile accounts anticipated losing their blue verification check marks as part of a sweeping purge aimed at redefining who merits the coveted badge. However, the morning unfolded with a surprising twist: instead of a widespread removal of verification, Twitter appeared to single out the account of a major publication that Musk has openly criticized. This unexpected move raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the motivations behind the platform’s verification policies and the influence of its owner.
In a notable change, Twitter also altered the language on its site to obscure the criteria for verification, leaving users puzzled about what it truly means to be verified on the platform. This shift has led to speculation about whether the verification process is becoming more arbitrary and subject to the whims of Musk, who has been known for his controversial stances and direct engagement with critics. The implications of this targeted approach to verification could be significant, particularly for journalists and media organizations that rely on their verified status to build trust and credibility with their audiences. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of social media platforms and the potential for personal biases to influence the way users are recognized and validated online.
As the verification landscape on Twitter continues to evolve, the incident serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in social media governance. Users are left questioning not only the criteria for verification but also the broader implications for free speech and media representation in an era where platform owners wield considerable influence over public discourse. With Musk at the helm, the future of verification on Twitter remains uncertain, prompting a deeper examination of how social media platforms define authenticity and authority in the digital age.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOYhj4kaJA0
Some VIP Twitter users woke up on Saturday expecting to have lost their coveted blue verification check marks in a previously announced purge by Elon Musk. Instead, Twitter appeared to target a single account from a major publication Musk dislikes and changed the language on its site in a way that obscures why users are verified.
