Twitter has announced plans to re-launch its stalled accounts verification scheme in 2021. However, the microblogging site is beginning the process by seeking public feedback as it works on a new policy ahead of rollout.
The updated policy it is working on is intended to lay the foundation for future improvements. It will start by defining ‘verification,’ identifying individuals who are eligible for verification and setting regulations on declining verification to ensure a more equitable process.
“We’re starting by more clearly defining some of the core types of Notable Accounts that are served by verification,” Twitter said in a statement. “Per the proposed policy, ‘the blue verified badge on Twitter lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic. To receive the blue badge, your account must be notable and active.’”
Initial policies
So far, Twitter has identified the initial types of accounts for classifying accounts for verification—government; companies, brands, and non-profit organizations; news; entertainment; sports; and activists, organizers, and other influential individuals.
Twitter is also adding proposed criteria for automatically removing verification from an account. It hinted that this may possibly be applied to accounts that are inactive, having an incomplete profile, and having repeatedly violated Twitter Rules. It added that will begin removing blue badges from accounts that have been inactive and have incomplete profiles in 2021.
We’re planning to relaunch verification in 2021, but first we want to hear from you.
Help us shape our approach to verification on Twitter by letting us know what you think. Take a look at our draft policy and submit your #VerificationFeedback here:https://t.co/FsUoPrOHgT
— Twitter Philippines (@TwitterPH) November 24, 2020
Seeking users’ feedback
Twitter is rolling out a brief survey about the verification policy it is drafting. It is also working with local non-governmental organizations and its Trust and Safety Council to gather numerous feedbacks and perspectives. Twitter users can also voice out what they think about the verification approach through posting tweets with the hashtag #VerificationFeedback.
The microblogging site started gathering feedback on November 24, 2020. It will wrap up by December 8, 2020. The goal is to introduce the final new policy by December 17, 2020.
Posting credible information
“We’re committed to serving the public conversation by helping people find credible information, hear important voices, and trust the authenticity of the accounts people find on Twitter,” the website said in its statement. “Thank you for taking the time to be part of this process—we look forward to hearing what you think.”
In 2017, Twitter indefinitely suspended its own verification system as it tried to address confusion over what it really meant to have verified accounts. In 2018, it shifted its focus to protecting the integrity of the public conversation. It has since remained mum about its verification approach until this announcement.
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