<\/p>\n
Twitter Blue, which is currently undergoing yet another rebranding process to \u201cX Blue\u201d under the direction of Elon Musk<\/a>, has introduced a feature allowing Blue subscribers to hide their \u201cearned\u201d blue checkmarks. This development provides users with the discretion to mask the fact that they are paying for the platform\u2019s premium services, sidestepping potential ridicule and memes that mockingly poke fun at the blatant display of an individual\u2019s proud blue check.<\/p>\n The blue checkmark, a symbol that has been synonymous with Twitter\u2019s verification system, in addition to Meta\u2019s Facebook and Instagram, has undergone several transformations<\/a> over the years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Originally, it served as a badge of authenticity, distinguishing genuine accounts from potential impersonators, initially available to only members of the media, certain A-list Hollywood talent, and politicians. Over the years, the means by which people came to \u201cearn\u201d their blue check was fueled and powered by a \u201cpay to play\u201d landscape where users were able to \u201cpurchase\u201d their blue check through third parties who knew how to navigate the system and more often than not, through actual Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter employees.<\/p>\n However, the entire account verification landscape surrounding a blue checkmark changed when Musk introduced the option for any user to attain \u201cverification\u201d status through a Blue subscription, for just $8 USD. This move immediately led to a surge in fake accounts seeking the coveted blue checkmark, causing waves of massive harm to media publishers, Hollywood talent, and those businesses and public figures who had rightfully (in most cases) earned their verification.\u00a0<\/p>\n The subsequent confusion prompted Twitter to revamp its verification system, removing blue checkmarks from legacy verified accounts and altering the display of these checkmarks multiple times.<\/p>\n Now, with the latest update, Twitter Blue subscribers will have the choice to display a blue checkmark on their profiles, accompanied by a \u201cverified since\u201d date (similar to how Instagram currently shows it under the \u2018About This Profile.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n This date indicates the time when the account was initially verified on the platform, prior to the introduction of the Blue subscription system. Notably, users with a following of 1M or more followers will automatically receive blue checkmarks.<\/p>\n While the option to hide the blue checkmark offers users greater flexibility, there are caveats. <\/p>\n As per a Twitter support article<\/a>, \u201c[t]he checkmark will be hidden on your profile and posts,\u201d it reads in part, noting that \u201c[t]he checkmark may still appear in some places and some features could still reveal you have an active subscription.\u201d It also says that some of Blue\u2019s features may not be available while a user\u2019s checkmark is hidden.\u00a0<\/p>\n The ongoing transformation of Twitter Blue, soon to be \u201cX Blue,\u201d is part of Musk\u2019s broader vision for the platform. He envisions creating an \u201ceverything app,\u201d potentially integrating a payment system in the future, already referring to X as a future finance platform.<\/p>\n This ambition was symbolically represented last week when Twitter\u2019s iconic blue bird logo was replaced with a temporary \u201cX\u201d logo. This change was not just digital; an eye-catching, flashing \u201cX\u201d sign was also installed atop Twitter\u2019s San Francisco headquarters \u2013 until it was removed by the city of San Francisco<\/a> after alerting X of its permit violation and receiving 24 complaints about the sign.<\/p>\nHiding Your Blue Check<\/h2>\n
Throw Up the \u201cX\u201d<\/h2>\n