By Clare Duffy | CNNElon Musk’s Twitter on Thursday began a purge of blue verification checkmarks from users who have not signed up for its subscription service, with the checks disappearing from the accounts of journalists, academics and celebrities. The initial rollout of the change appeared to be fairly glitchy, as blue checks disappeared and reappeared on some accounts. The change — and its confusing rollout — threatens to create an even greater risk of impersonation of high-profile users and confusion over the veracity of information on the platform. Twitter had previously said it would “begin winding down” blue checks granted under its old verification system — which emphasized protecting high-profile users at risk of impersonation — on April 1. Last week, Musk tweeted that the “final date for removing legacy Blue checks is 4/20,” a date with special resonance to the billionaire entrepreneur given its meaning to marijuana enthusiasts.

Source: CNN April 20, 2023 19:27 UTC