Twitter Announces Verification System Relaunch in Early 2021
Twitter has unveiled plans to reintroduce its account verification program in early 2021, marking a significant overhaul of its controversial blue checkmark system. The social media giant is now seeking public input on its proposed verification policy before implementation.
Key Changes to Twitter Verification
Under the new draft policy, Twitter will verify accounts across six primary categories:
- Government officials and institutions
- Companies, brands, and nonprofit organizations
- News organizations and journalists
- Entertainment figures
- Sports personalities
- Activists and influential individuals
The company notes these categories may expand over time as the system evolves.
Why Verification Was Paused
Twitter’s verification program has been on hold since 2017 following backlash over its verification of Jason Kessler, organizer of the Charlottesville white supremacist rally. The incident sparked debate about what constitutes “public interest” and whether verification implied endorsement.
Key timeline of verification developments:
- 2017: Verification paused after Charlottesville controversy
- 2018: Program put on indefinite hold to focus on election integrity
- 2020: Selective verification of COVID-19 experts and political candidates
New Verification Requirements
The updated policy introduces stricter criteria for obtaining and maintaining verification status:
- Accounts must be notable and active
- Profiles must be complete with all required information
- Verified accounts must adhere to Twitter Rules (repeated violations may result in badge removal)
Category-Specific Criteria
Twitter has established detailed verification standards for each account type:
News Organizations: Must meet professional journalism standards Journalists: Minimum three bylines in qualifying publications within six months Entertainers: Verified credits on IMDb or news references Government Officials: Official website listings or multiple media references Sports Figures: Team website appearances or sports data service listings
Public Feedback and Next Steps
Twitter is soliciting input on the proposed policy through December 8, 2020. Users can:
- Complete Twitter’s official survey
- Share feedback publicly using #VerificationFeedback
The company is also consulting with its Trust and Safety Council and NGOs for additional perspectives.
Implementation Timeline
- December 17, 2020: Final policy announcement
- Early 2021: New verification system launch
The revamped system will include a public application process, with underlying technology already in development as spotted by reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong.
Beyond Verification: Future Account Features
While not all accounts will qualify for verification, Twitter plans to introduce:
- New account types
- Profile labels for identity clarification
Details on these additional features will be announced in coming weeks.
“This initial policy won’t cover every case for being verified,” Twitter acknowledged, “but it’s a critical first step in providing more transparency and fairer standards.”
