With Elon Musk taking over Twitter on October 27th, the platform is likely to suffer many changes in the coming months. It has already started with a wave of layoffs and the dissolution of the board, making Musk the sole director of the company.
But what worries users the most is the plan for the blue tick to become available for everyone if they pay $8 per month. Twitter users are wondering if the platform will become a nest for fake news.
A few days ago, an account known for promoting fake news about film and series started a rumour about the Netflix show “The sandman » being cancelled. Writer Neil Gaiman replied “Just think. Now even parody/scam sites click baiting false news will be able to buy blue ticks. What fun it will be.”
Twitter new owner already made clear that he wishes to liberate freedom of speech on the platform, as he tweeted “the bird is freed”. This is the opportunity for fake news to develop and become more and more of a concern for users.
Previously, the blue checkmark was a reassurance for users as they know the account has been verified by the platform. However, with this plan, the blue tick will lost its verification value. It is likely to become a mark of authority for anyone who can afford to pay for it. For journalists, this is a major concern. It allowed them to standout from other accounts and promote “real” news only. From now on, the Twitter blue tick will be “pay to play”.