twitter opens account verification applications to the public under new guidelines

Twitter Reopens Verification Applications to the Public

The highly sought-after blue verification badge is becoming more accessible. Twitter has announced the commencement of its new verification application process, enabling prominent individuals and accounts of significant public interest to differentiate themselves with a checkmark. This mark confirms their stated identity – be it a government representative, journalist, celebrity, brand, business, or other recognized figure.

Applying for Verification

Over the coming weeks, Twitter will introduce the new verification application directly within the Account Settings tab for all users worldwide. From this location, applications can be submitted. Expect to receive an email response within one to four weeks, contingent upon the current application volume.

A recently expanded team at Twitter will process applications, rather than relying on automated systems. This manual review process may lead to delays during peak periods.

Successful applicants will automatically receive the profile badge. If an application is declined, resubmission is permitted after a 30-day waiting period, with no limit on the number of attempts.

Expanding Access to Verification

The reinstatement of verification will substantially broaden access to the blue badge, currently held by approximately 360,000 Twitter users.

The verification system was temporarily suspended in 2017 due to user confusion regarding its meaning. While intended solely as an authenticity indicator, the checkmark was often perceived as conferring elevated status on the platform.

This issue reached a critical point when Twitter verified the account of Jason Keller, organizer of the Charlottesville white supremacist rally, while legitimate public figures struggled to obtain verification.

Although Twitter continued to verify candidates for public office, officials, and journalists discreetly, there was no formal method for requesting verification.

New Guidelines and Categories

In late 2020, Twitter announced plans to relaunch account verification in early 2021 and released a draft policy for public review. While the rollout is slightly delayed, applications are now being accepted, and the new guidelines, largely unchanged from the initial publication, are available.

To qualify for verification, Twitter users must align with one of six categories:

• Government
• Companies, brands and organizations
• News organizations and journalists
• Entertainment
• Sports and gaming
• Activists, organizers and other influential individuals

Twitter intends to expand these categories to include scientists, academics, and religious leaders later this summer.

Verification requires establishing authenticity through a government-issued ID, an official email address related to the chosen category, or an official website referencing the Twitter account.

Each category has specific requirements for verification eligibility.

Journalists, for example, must adhere to professional standards, including fact-checking. Individuals in entertainment or gaming may benefit from listings in professional databases like IMDb or Sportradar. Mentions in verified news articles can aid verification for brands and individuals.

The criteria for “influential individuals” are particularly detailed, requiring a combination of Twitter activity and off-platform recognition.

A stable Wikipedia article, a profile on Google Trends, news coverage, or leadership positions on official websites with documented advocacy work can contribute to qualification, alongside demonstrable influence on Twitter itself – such as follower count or engagement levels.

Accountability and Profile Requirements

Twitter will hold verified accounts accountable for their content. Violation of the Twitter Rules will result in badge removal, with penalties determined on a case-by-case basis.

Verified accounts must have complete profiles, including a profile name, image, and either a confirmed email address or phone number. The account must have been active within the last six months and free from Twitter Rule violations resulting in a seven-day or 12-hour lockout within the past year.

This emphasis on preventing violations aims to avoid the issues of the past, but relies on the effectiveness of Twitter’s Trust & Safety team, which has faced criticism regarding verified users engaging in harassment.

Future Developments

Twitter views verification as part of a broader evolution of profile functionality.

Future plans include designations for “helpful” bots providing valuable information, such as COVID-19 updates or earthquake warnings, and for accounts utilizing Twitter creatively. Memorialized accounts will also be addressed, though through designations rather than verification.

The growing demand for verification, fueled by the creator economy, has prompted Twitter to explore additional features. “Super Follow” buttons will allow creators to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. Twitter is also reportedly developing a paid subscription service, Twitter Blue, providing access to advanced features like Undo Tweets and bookmark collections, but not paid verification.

Twitter is also revamping profiles to display more information, including pronouns and interests, and to indicate “confirmed” users who have verified their identity via email or phone.

Twitter will continue to refine its policies as it implements these changes.

B Byrne, Twitter’s product lead for identity, emphasized that the blue verified badge provides users with context about the accounts they interact with, enabling them to assess trustworthiness and make informed decisions, ultimately fostering healthier conversations.