X, previously known as Twitter, has introduced a new feature that allows verified users to hide their verification badges.
Verified users recently noticed a new option in their profile settings called “hide your blue checkmark.” This option allows users to conceal the fact that they have paid for X/Twitter.
The description of the setting states, “The checkmark will be hidden on your profile and posts. The checkmark may still appear in some places, and some features could still reveal you have an active subscription. Some features may not be available while your checkmark is hidden.”
The verification system, known as Twitter Blue, offers users a verification badge and other features for a monthly subscription fee of $8. However, this feature is not widely popular on the site. Many users perceive the blue checkmark as an indication that the user is a fan of X owner Elon Musk, and they resent the idea of people being able to pay for boosted content.
Mr. Musk has made changes to the verification process this year. Previously, Twitter users had to go through a thorough vetting process by moderators to be verified. The blue check badge symbolized the authenticity of the account operator. However, after the changes were implemented, allowing anyone to purchase verification, numerous fake profiles emerged, leading to weeks of confusion.
This change coincides with Mr. Musk rebranding Twitter to X, the “everything app.” Twitter Blue will eventually be renamed X Blue, though the exact timing is yet to be determined.
