Want an official blue tick? Twitter verification has been suspended
If you're after a blue tick on Twitter, now would be a bad time to apply.
The social media giant has suspended their verification process due to major backlash after the site awarded a blue tick to a right-wing nationalist Jason Kessler.
Kessler has been accused of being a white supremacist, and was the organiser of the Charlottesville Rally in August which left one dead and many injured.
Verification was meant to authenticate identity & voice but it is interpreted as an endorsement or an indicator of importance. We recognize that we have created this confusion and need to resolve it. We have paused all general verifications while we work and will report back soon
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) November 9, 2017
The Twitter Support page stated:
'Verification was meant to authenticate identity & voice but it is interpreted as an endorsement or an indicator of importance.'
'We recognize that we have created this confusion and need to resolve it.'
I never claimed to be "superior" to anyone else because of my race. However, my people are beautiful, unique & deserve to have a voice like anyone else. https://t.co/ViavEfeTHN
— Jason Kessler (@TheMadDimension) November 8, 2017
'We have paused all general verifications while we work and will report back soon.'
Kessler was accused by many of being a white supremacist and a Nazi as they attempted to get Twitter's attention regarding his awarded blue tick.
Kessler responded to the accusations, saying: 'I never claimed to be "superior" to anyone else because of my race.'
'However, my people are beautiful, unique and deserve to have a voice like anyone else.'
TWITTER HAS JUST ENABLED WHITE SUPREMACY BY VERIFYING THE ACCOUNT OF A LEADER IN THE SUPREMACIST MOVEMENT, JASON KESSLER. @jack WHAT THE HELL R U DOING JACK? IS IT ALL ABOUT THE FOR U 2? HAVE U LOST THE AMERICAN ABILITY TO STAND UP FOR DECENCY? Y R U ALLOWING NAZIS A PLATFORM?
— lois mcdade (@irishgilly) November 9, 2017
According to Twitter, 'an account may be verified if it is determined to be an account of public interest.'
'Typically this includes accounts maintained by users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas.'
'A verified badge does not imply an endorsement by Twitter.'
