Twitter users say they haven't paid for their blue checks but still have them

 Twitter has decided to relaunch its verification program, which was paused in 2017. Twitter's blue checkmark verification program aims to confirm the authenticity of an account's identity, so users can trust the information being shared on the platform. The program was paused four years ago because it was criticized for granting verification badges to controversial figures.

The relaunched program will include new guidelines that will define who is eligible for verification. Twitter's new criteria will include a user's adherence to the platform's rules, as well as their activity, profile completeness, and other indicators of a "public interest" account. The new guidelines will also include categories such as government officials, journalists, and activists, in addition to company executives, athletes, and other individuals who might have a significant public presence.

According to Twitter, the new verification program will be free, but the company will explore other paid features for verified accounts, such as access to a more powerful analytics dashboard. Some users have expressed concerns about the potential for this to create a two-tiered system that benefits verified accounts, but Twitter claims that all users will continue to have access to the same core features.

Overall, this is a positive move for Twitter. The verification program is crucial for building trust and authenticity on the platform. The new guidelines and categories will help ensure that verified accounts are more representative of those who are making a significant contribution to public discourse. The decision to offer additional features to verified accounts is also understandable, as it may encourage more users to seek verification. However, it will be important for Twitter to ensure that non-verified users are not excluded from important features or opportunities.