𝕏 (formerly Twitter) launches account verification based on government ID

In a digital age where online impersonation runs rampant, social media platforms are under pressure to ensure user authenticity and combat the spread of fake accounts.

Particularly 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) had reversed a prior decision to discontinue its legacy verification program in April, reinstating checkmarks for select accounts, after an ensuing chaos caused by celebrity impersonations hit the platform.

Now 𝕏, which currently boasts up to 450 million users, is looking at a one-time fix with a new initiative aimed at curbing impersonation while offering unique benefits to its users.

The microblogging platform has launched an ID-based account verification system as part of its larger strategy to enhance user trust and platform integrity. Partnering with Israel-based identity verification experts, Au10tix, 𝕏 now presents users with a pop-up for ID verification. Notably, this option is only available exclusively to its paid users.

Users who opt for ID verification will receive a government ID-verified badge on their profiles. However, this badge is only visible when clicking on the blue checkmark, offering an added layer of authenticity to their profiles.

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The perks of ID verification go beyond a mere badge. 𝕏 promises users with ID verification "prioritized support from 𝕏 Services," however, the specifics of this support remain somewhat cryptic.

𝕏 noted future plans to expedite the review process for obtaining verification badges for users who have verified their IDs. Additionally, verified users will gain the ability to make frequent changes to their names, usernames, or profile photos without losing their coveted checkmark. This flexibility aims to accommodate users' evolving online identities while maintaining their verified status.

Moreover, 𝕏 updated its privacy policy to kick off the platform's ability to capture users' biometric data, education, and job history.

But what is rather ironic is that, while 𝕏's move toward ID-based verification might suggest a strong stance against impersonation and spam, these verification tools are currently limited to paid users. This raises questions about the underlying motivations for this approach.