In this article, we’ll examine the reasons behind Twitter’s recent decision to limit the visibility of unverified accounts and its potential impact on users and free speech.
Key Takeaways:
Starting April 15, Twitter Inc.’s “For You” feed, the default view for users on the social media platform, will exclusively recommend content from verified accounts.
According to a tweet from owner Elon Musk, only accounts paying an $8 monthly fee or those associated with verified organizations will be eligible for visibility in the timeline that appears when most users open the app.
Additionally, Twitter polls will require account verification for participation.
As part of Twitter’s subscription product, Twitter Blue, the $8 fee promises to help accounts “rocket to the top of replies, mentions, and search.”
The latest change amplifies this prioritization, as the platform moves towards a two-tier system that could leave unpaid users with limited access to features they once enjoyed for free.
According to Musk, the most practical solution to prevent the danger of AI bots taking over is through this method. However, there is no supporting evidence to validate this claim.
From April 1, Twitter will begin removing legacy verification marks, stripping the blue checkmarks from users not paying the fee or affiliated with large organizations. Independent journalists and other peripheral voices could be heavily impacted, contradicting Musk’s stated goal of ensuring free speech on Twitter.
A report by Platformer suggests that Twitter has a VIP list for celebrities such as LeBron James, President Joe Biden, and Elon Musk himself, providing them with increased visibility on the platform.
This contradicts Musk’s recent statement that there shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities.
Twitter’s recent decision to restrict the visibility of unverified accounts and limit participation in polls to paid users marks a concerning turn towards a more exclusive platform.
While the move may help combat the spread of AI bots, the potential ramifications for free speech and equal access to features cannot be ignored.
As Twitter continues to prioritize paid users and potentially elevates select celebrities, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the platform’s diverse user base in the long run.
