Twitter Verification Returns in 2021: What You Need to Know

Twitter Verification Returns in 2021: Key Updates

Twitter is reviving its verification program in early 2021 after a three-year hiatus. The social media giant paused verification in 2017 following controversy over its verification criteria, particularly after granting a blue checkmark to the organizer of the Charlottesville white supremacist rally.

The New Verification Framework

Twitter has announced it will:

• Relaunch verification systematically starting 2021
• Focus on six account categories:
  • Government officials
  • Companies/brands/nonprofits
  • News organizations
  • Entertainment figures
  • Sports personalities
  • Activists/influential individuals

The company is currently soliciting public feedback to refine its verification policy before the official relaunch.

Tech Industry Updates

YouTube Takes Action Against Misinformation

• YouTube suspended and demonetized One America News Network (OANN)
• Action taken for violating COVID-19 misinformation policies
• Part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to combat pandemic-related falsehoods

Instagram Developing New Business Features

• Testing an FAQ feature for business and creator accounts
• Will allow users to initiate chats with pre-set questions
• Similar to Messenger’s existing business tools

Fortnite Introduces Subscription Model

• New $11.99/month “Fortnite Crew” package includes:
  • Full season battle pass
  • 1,000 monthly V-Bucks
  • Exclusive outfit bundles

Startup Funding Highlights

Discord’s Soaring Valuation

• Nearing funding round that could value company at $7 billion
• Represents rapid growth from $3.5 billion valuation earlier in 2020

New Players in Food Delivery

• Dija, founded by ex-Deliveroo employees, raising $20 million
• Will operate “dark” convenience stores for rapid delivery

Venture Capital Innovation

• Marie Ekeland launches 2050 fund with long-term investment focus
• Former investor at Elaia (backed Criteo)

Industry Analysis & Insights

EdTech’s Continued Growth

• Duolingo and Udemy valuation increases highlight sector strength
• Remote learning boom driving investor confidence

Cybersecurity Developments

• Apple and Facebook’s ongoing privacy disputes
• Twitter hires renowned security expert “Mudge”
• Mysterious zero-day vulnerabilities making headlines

Global Tech Policy Updates

U.S. Government Transition

• Biden-Harris team receives official .gov transition domain
• Follows GSA approval to begin presidential transition process

India-China Tech Tensions Continue

• India bans 43 additional Chinese apps
• Latest move in ongoing cybersecurity concerns between the nations

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