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'Twitter Blue' Re-Launches After Pause

Published DEC 12 2022

Story

Image credit: BBC News

The Facts

On Monday, Twitter officially relaunched its paid subscription service that paused last month after the platform was flooded with users violating the blue checkmark verification feature to impersonate famous brands and public figures.
guardian
Called "Twitter Blue," the paid subscription service offers verified status to users for $8 a month, or now $11 per month for Apple devices.
BBC News
Under the revamped system, Twitter Blue subscribers cannot change their account handle, display names, or profile photos after receiving their verified badge until their accounts are reviewed again.
BBC News
Twitter Blue subscribers will reportedly be able to edit their tweets, see 50% fewer ads, have their tweets "rocketed" to the top of replies, and post 1080p videos.
TechCrunch
In concert with this program, Twitter will soon start transitioning from blue checks to gold checks for business accounts, and a gray checkmark for government accounts.
Sky News
Ahead of Twitter Blue's comeback, owner Elon Musk responded to an inquiry by saying he would increase the platform's character limit to 4k — more than 14 times the current cut-off at 280.
Mashable

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Twitter's new offering will undoubtedly help the social media platform diversify its revenue stream, reduce its reliance on advertising, and cut down on trolls, impersonations, and fraud. In addition, Twitter Blue adds premium value to a user's account; at $8 or $11 a month, it's a bargain for the content.

Newsweek

Narrative B

Musk initially mocked Twitter's "lords and peasants" blue tick system, but now he's charging a fee and legitimizing it. Musk claims he's redirecting more "power to the people." Unfortunately, his tone-deaf move is further dividing Twitter between the haves and the have-nots.