X CEO Elon Musk has introduced a new feature on the microblogging site that allows users to hide their blue verification badge. This feature comes after the implementation of a paid subscription service that charges $8 (roughly Rs. 660) for the blue tick.
What Does the Feature Offer?
According to the Help page on X, subscribers now have the option to hide their checkmark on their accounts. By hiding the checkmark, users can remove it from their profile and posts. However, the checkmark may still appear in certain places, and certain features may still reveal that the user has an active subscription. It’s important to note that some features may not be available while the checkmark is hidden.
How to Use the Feature
For subscribers to X’s paid subscription service, the “Hide your blue checkmark” option can be found in the “Profile customization” page under Account Settings. Users can easily toggle this option on or off based on their preference.
The Purpose of the Blue Checkmark
X first introduced the blue checkmark system in 2009 to help users identify authentic accounts of celebrities, politicians, companies, brands, news organizations, and other accounts of public interest. It serves as a way to differentiate genuine accounts from impostors or parody accounts. Prior to the implementation of the paid subscription service, X did not charge for verification.
Who Lost Their Verified Status?
On April 1, X removed blue ticks from verified accounts following the introduction of the paid subscription service. This resulted in many B-town celebrities, politicians, and cricketers losing their verified blue ticks from their Twitter accounts. However, the badge was later reinstated for many users after a few days.
X’s Branding Changes
In addition to the new feature, X also made changes to its branding. On July 24, the social media site replaced its recognizable bird logo with the letter “X” as its new official mark. Elon Musk referred to this design as an “interim” one, implying that there may be further logo changes in the future. It’s possible that the social network will continue to evolve and bid farewell to the Twitter brand.
With the introduction of the new feature to hide the blue verification badge, X provides its subscribers with more control over their account’s visibility. Users can now choose whether they want their checkmark to be seen on their profile and posts. This update aims to enhance the user experience and offer improved customization options.
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