Twitter announced last week that it would be “winding down” its verification program by removing the blue checks starting April 1. The move was met with mixed reactions, with some individuals and businesses expressing their apprehension and criticism about the proposed fees for the new program, called Verified Organizations.
Several news outlets, celebrities, athletes, and even the White House have said they don’t plan to pay for Twitter Blue, which offers individuals a blue check for $8 per month and businesses a gold check for a whopping $1,000 per month. The New York Times reported an internal Twitter document that said the top 500 advertisers and 10,000 most-followed businesses could keep their checks without paying the high fee.
Many individuals and organizations are unwilling to pay for the new checks, citing that they no longer provide the credibility they once did. The Los Angeles Times, Politico, BuzzFeed, Washington Post, and Vox all confirmed they wouldn’t pay for the gold check or reimburse journalists who pay for Twitter Blue. The White House also informed staff it would not pay for individuals to retain their blue checks.
Public figures across sports, media, and entertainment have also expressed their views on the matter. NBA superstar LeBron James and actor/comedian Jason Alexander have both said they don’t plan to pay for Twitter Blue, while Dionne Warwick has stated she has better uses for her money, reported Business Insider.
Twitter’s decision to wind down its verification program and introduce a new, paid program has stirred up a mixed reaction from individuals and businesses. While some are willing to pay for the new checks, others argue that they no longer hold the same weight as before.
The future of the verification program remains unclear, and it remains to be seen whether Twitter will make any changes in response to the feedback it has received.