Twitter verification changes explained and what it means for users in North America
Starting April 1, 2023, Twitter announced it would remove verification blue checkmarks from users who do not participate in the paid Twitter Blue program. This shift follows a statement from the company and coverage by Portal, which notes the rollout would begin on that date and extend to legacy verified accounts.
Twitter stated in a tweet that the rollout would start on April 1, and that checkmarks from the legacy verification system would be removed. Elon Musk, who leads the company, has publicly criticized the current verification system as flawed, underscoring the tension between traditional verification and the new paid model.
The new path to keeping a blue tick—or obtaining one for the first time—is to subscribe to Twitter Blue. The paid tier includes account verification as part of its benefits. Historically, the pricing has varied by currency and region, with a monthly fee designed to be competitive for users in North America and other key markets. A yearly plan is also available, offering a reduced effective rate for those who commit to longer terms.
In broader context, these changes are part of Twitter’s ongoing efforts to rethink how identity is presented on the platform. The move to a paid verification model has sparked conversations about accessibility, trust, and the potential implications for public discourse. The company has expressed that verification is not merely a badge of status but a feature intended to help reduce impersonation and improve signal integrity for important conversations.
Looking ahead, there have been discussions about future technologies that could influence how content is managed on the platform. Reports indicate Twitter has explored neural network tools aimed at detecting and highlighting posts that attempt to manipulate public opinion. Elon Musk has described such mechanisms as a safeguard for users, signaling a shift toward more proactive moderation and transparency in the feed. These developments are still evolving and will likely shape user experience, policy, and verification considerations in the months ahead.
For users in Canada and the United States, the practical takeaway remains straightforward: verification is tied to joining Twitter Blue. Those who value the prestige or practical benefits of the blue badge should consider subscribing, while others may continue using the platform without the verification symbol. The conversation around verification, trust, and platform governance continues to evolve as Twitter experiments with new models and technologies to balance openness with accountability, in a digital landscape that places a premium on authentic voices and reliable signals in public dialogue.
Citations: Portal reports on the rollout and legacy verification changes; coverage noting Elon Musk’s remarks about the verification system; discussions surrounding Twitter Blue pricing and regional variations; statements about potential neural network tools to detect manipulation of posts and protect users.