X, formerly Twitter, is allowing verified users to hide their verification badges.
Verified users have noticed a new option in their profile settings this week. The option, called “hide your blue checkmark,” allows users to hide the fact that they have paid for X/Twitter.
The description of the setting explains that the checkmark will be hidden on both the user’s profile and posts. However, the checkmark may still appear in some places and certain features could reveal that the user has an active subscription. Additionally, some features may not be available while the checkmark is hidden.
The verification system, known as Twitter Blue, provides users with a verification badge and other features for a monthly subscription fee of $8. However, the feature is not widely popular on the site. Many users view the blue checkmark as an indication that the user is a fan of X owner Elon Musk, and some are resentful that people are able to pay for content promotion on the site.
Earlier this year, Mr. Musk changed the verification process. Previously, Twitter users went through a rigorous vetting process conducted by moderators to earn the blue check badge, signifying that the account operator was legitimate. However, after the changes, anyone with sufficient funds could purchase verification, leading to the proliferation of fake profiles that caused confusion for several weeks.
This announcement comes as Mr. Musk is rebranding Twitter as X, characterized as the “everything app.” At an undisclosed time, Twitter Blue will be renamed X Blue.
