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SALT LAKE CITY — Social media verification is no longer exclusive to public figures, music organizations, sports figures, movie stars, government officials, politicians, journalists, religious figures and others from key areas determined to be of interest.
With over 320 million active monthly users, Twitter has opened its verification process to all users of the popular microblogging service. Verified Twitter accounts identify key individuals and organizations as authentic and are denoted by a blue-badge icon. An account may be verified if it’s determined to be of public interest.
An online application process will allow users to request a verified account by completing a form and providing evidence of why an account should be verified as a matter of public interest. A verified phone number, e-mail address, profile photo, bio, birthday and website, plus additional information deemed helpful to prove the verification, is required to complete the process.
"We want to make it even easier for people to find creators and influencers on Twitter so it makes sense for us to let people apply for verification," Tina Bhatnagar, Twitter's vice president of user services, stated in a prepared release. "We hope opening up this application process results in more people finding great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for these creators and influencers to connect with a broader audience."
A simple application process, users are required to explain why Twitter should verify their account. If the account represents a person, Twitter will want to understand their impact in a particular field. If the account represents a business, Twitter will want to know more about its mission. At least two URLs supporting the user’s newsworthiness or relevance in their field is required to complete the Twitter verification process.
Proof of identity through a government-issued ID card may be required to complete the Twitter verification process. Those rejected for account verification are eligible to reapply again after 30 days. Verified Twitter accounts have access to additional settings in the form of filters, notification settings and opt-out options. These expanded options allow for a better social media experience — free of potential harassment or trolling.
“The very topic of Twitter verification came up recently,” said Lauren Cooley, a millennial grassroots organizer and public speaker. “The blue badge icon will allow users to identify more key individuals and influencers as authentic and not fake.”
Twitter was the first social media platform to provide account verification, starting in 2009. It currently has over 191,000 verified accounts.
As a nationally recognized credit repair and ID theft expert, Bill Lewis is principal of William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates, a solutions based professional consulting firm specializing in the discriminating individual, business or governmental entity.
