After subsequent notices of revamping the verified accounts policy, microblogging and social networking service announced that it will soon begin the review of public applications. It also announced the removal of the much-coveted blue badge (check mark) for accounts that “do not meet the updated criteria.”

The blue badge is one of the most sought-after features on Twitter and other social media platforms because it vets the authenticity of accounts “that are of high public interest” such as celebrities, government officials, and influencers. In the new verification process, the following are eligible for application: companies, journalists or news organizations, sports personalities, and activists.

However, Twitter reiterated that it will not tolerate accounts that will violate the Twitter Rules that may lead to the removal of the blue badge.

Blue Badge: Twitter plans to relaunch account verification

Twitter to enforce labels in new verification system ready for rollout in 2021

“Today’s application rollout marks the next milestone in our plans to give more transparency, credibility, and clarity to verification on Twitter,” the platform said in its media release.

Everyone can apply

All Twitter users can apply for verified accounts and they can start when they see the application tab in the Account Settings.

To ensure the authenticity of accounts and to save the platform from future issues, Twitter rules require complete information from the accounts including confirmed email address and phone number. The account should also be active in the last six months.

Users can just wait for an email response within weeks or maybe even months if their application has been accepted.

“We know that the current verification policy may not represent all of the people who should be eligible to be verified on Twitter, so we’re planning to introduce more categories later this year, such as for scientists, academics, and religious leaders,” it said.

Twitter also advises users to stay up-to-date with verification by following @Verified.

In addition, the company will be introducing new categories to accommodate the expected deluge of applications from individuals and organizations.

“Since our last update, we’ve been doing ongoing research on automated accounts and plan to introduce this account type in the next few months, with memorialized accounts to follow,” Twitter said. “We’re also exploring improvements to the Twitter profile to allow people to better express themselves, such as through an About page.”