Elon Musk has announced that users with a high number of verified followers will receive free Premium and Premium Plus benefits, including reduced ads and other advantages. However, some X users are not satisfied with the change, expressing their dissatisfaction with seeing the blue checkmark next to their handles despite not having paid for these subscriptions.
Last week, Musk stated that users with over 2,500 paying followers would be granted free Premium access, while those with more than 5,000 such followers would be given free Premium Plus, a higher-cost tier that eliminates ads among other benefits. The blue checkmark was once a symbol of status awarded to verified high-profile users such as journalists, celebrities, politicians, and official agencies.
After Musk took control in 2022, users’ blue checkmarks disappeared and were made available for purchase by anyone. This move made it difficult for users to identify authentic accounts and led to the proliferation of misinformation on X under Musk’s management. Wednesday’s return of the free blue checkmark sparked a series of jokes on the platform. Some users who received the badge have posted proof that it is not only being given to verified individuals but also to those who did not pay for it. Several users defended themselves by stating they did not pay for the badge.
The platform is frequented by journalists, but some do not seem thrilled with their new status. Other users are relieved that they haven’t received a blue checkmark yet. However, some people are excited about their new badge and expressed their desire to have it removed if they do not wish it. The platform continues to grapple with issues surrounding authenticity and verification under Musk’s leadership.
