November 11, 2022

Elon Musk’s Chaotic Changes to Twitter’s Verification Process Have Already Been Canceled

But we’ve got the rundown on all the fun that was had. RIP Twitter Blue.

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/ Associated Press

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Elon Musk’s most recent Twitter experiment has reportedly shut down less than a week after introducing major changes to its verification process. But despite the short life of Twitter Blue, plenty of fun was had. Let’s rewind.  

Last week, the tech billionaire introduced Twitter Blue, a new program that would allow people to buy a verification checkmark for $7.99 a month, roughly the price of a pack of Fruit of the Loom panties. But as many predicted, realistic-looking spoof accounts for brands and public figures quickly surfaced. Musk attempted to fix the problem by creating a rule that “accounts engaged in parody” must declare themselves as parody. But that failed.

So, of course, in true Twitter fashion, hilarity ensued. Parody accounts with bright blue verification checks popped up left and right, much to the delight of millions of users relishing the latest Musk chaos. The platform has tried to suspend some. But with every locked account, a new one quickly popped up in its wake. Let’s take a look at the highlights. 

Y’all this is too funny.

Not even Joe Biden is safe. 

The jokes have become so meta that we have spoof accounts creating fake apologies for the tweets of other spoof accounts. 

More hilarity:

Oof, this one. 

Finally, on Friday, Platformer managing editor Zoe Schiffer reported that Twitter suspended Twitter Blue. But I’m happy that, for the short time it was around, I got to see madness happen. RIP Twitter Blue. Gone but not forgotten. 

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DONALD TRUMP & DEMOCRACY

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And we need your support like never before, to fight back against the existential threats American democracy faces. Fundraising for nonprofit media is always a challenge, and we need all hands on deck right now. We have no cushion; we leave it all on the field.

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