Twitter said it reopened applications for verification, allowing high-profile users to set their accounts apart from a flood of fake handles.
The microblogging platform stopped stamping blue check badges on verified accounts after one was given to a white supremacist account in 2017. For the 2021 relaunch, Twitter said it hoped to "encourage healthy conversations for the betterment of the Twitter community overall."
Who can apply for verification?
Applicants must belong to these categories:
- Government
- Companies, brands, and organizations
- News organizations and journalists
- Entertainment
- Sports and gaming
- Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals
The applicant's name must also be complete: with a profile name, profile image, and either confirmed e-mail address or phone number. The account must be active within the last six months and adheres to the Twitter rules.
Twitter also plans to introduce more categories, such as those for scientists, academics or religious leaders.
How to apply for a blue badge?
Starting May 20, 2021, Twitter will start rolling out the verification application from the Accounts Settings tab.
1. From the Account Settings tab, users can tap the Verification Request. Tap Start Request.
2. Click on the category.
3. Choose the method of identity verification. It could be through:
- government issued ID
- official email address with a domain relevant to the category you chose
- official website that directly references your Twitter account
4. Submit the application and wait for an emailed response.
Take note that it may take up to a few weeks for Twitter to review and process applications as each application will be reviewed by a human.
Twitter will notify applicants via email whether the application has been approved or rejected. If approved, the blue badge will automatically appear on the profile.
What if the application is rejected?
Applicants can reapply again within 30 days of the company's decision. Rejected applicants can file a new one once every 30 days.
Twitter may also remove the badge at any time, without notice, due to these reasons:
- If the account owner changes the username (@handle)
- If the account becomes inactive or incomplete
- If the owner of the account is no longer associated with the company or position they were initially verified of and no longer meets Twitter's criteria for verification since leaving the position
- If the account impersonates or intentionally misleads people on Twitter by changing the display name or bio
Twitter can also unverify accounts that violates its rules.
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