ACCOUNTS “ENGAGING IN IMPERSONATION” WOULD BE PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED : TWITTER CEO MUSK

Mon 07 November 2022: 

Elon Musk has responded to criticism of his decision to charge a monthly fee for the blue checkmark that is available to all users of the site by pledging to delete any accounts who impersonate others on Twitter.

Following some high-profile users changing their names to Elon Musk to protest the Tesla CEO’s reorganization of the platform’s verification criteria, Musk declared on Sunday that any accounts “engaging in impersonation” would be permanently terminated.

“Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying ‘parody’ will be permanently suspended,” Musk tweeted.

TWITTER ROLLS OUT $8 MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION WITH BLUE CHECKMARK; EXPERTS RAISE GRAVE CONCERNS

“Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue.”

Musk tweeted later that “widespread verification” would democratise journalism and give voice to the public.

Celebrities like comedian Kathy Griffin and actor Valerie Bertinelli changed their screen identities to Elon Musk over the weekend in an apparent effort to draw attention to the risks associated with doing away with identity verification.

Users who subscribe to Musk’s Twitter Blue service will be able to get a blue check mark without having to provide identification for a $7.99 monthly cost.

Previously, after proving their identity, renowned individuals and accounts deemed to be of public importance may apply for a check mark for free.

The new service debuted on Saturday in Apple’s app store but has not yet gone live.

Musk has implemented significant changes at the major social firm after finalizing his $44 billion purchase of Twitter last month, including firing almost half of the platform’s 7,500 employees.

The New York Times reported on Sunday that Twitter had chosen to postpone the launch of the new service until the day after the vote due to worries about possible division during the election.

Big brands including General Motors, General Mills, and Audi have paused advertising as they seek clarification on the social media company’s future under its new owner as a result of Musk’s aspirations for the company.