Twitter rolls out new account verification application process

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Twitter said on Thursday it has begun rolling out a new verification application system, allowing specific accounts to get the coveted checkmark.

The move will contribute to the company's plans to give more transparency, credibility, and clarity to verification on Twitter, the US-based tech giant said in a statement.

The accounts must be authentic, notable, and active to receive the blue badge.

"To qualify for verification, you must fit the criteria of one of the six categories; government, companies, brands and organizations, news organizations and journalists, entertainment, sports and gaming, activists, organizers, and other influential individuals."

It will later expand verification to include scientists, academics, and religious leaders.

The verified badge from accounts that no longer meet the updated criteria for verification, such as those that are inactive or incomplete, will be automatically removed, it said.

In order to be verified, an account is required to be complete, meaning it has a profile name, a profile image, and either a confirmed email address or phone number, besides being active within the last six months and have a record of adherence to the Twitter Rules.

"Over the next few weeks, everyone on Twitter will start to see the new verification application directly in the Account Settings tab," the press release said.

The system was officially paused in 2017.