X has introduced a new update that allows users to restrict replies to only verified accounts or those mentioned in a post. This feature is available to both verified and non-verified users.
The verification system, known as X Premium, was launched by Elon Musk in November 2022, offering a blue checkmark for a monthly or yearly fee. While some X Premium users have faced criticism for paying for this status, X has also introduced options to hide the checkmark and subscription status. However, with this new restriction, anyone who replies to a restricted post will be identified as a subscriber.
Approximately 11 months following Elon Musk’s introduction of paid verification through Twitter Blue, granting blue checkmarks to individuals for a monthly fee of $7.99, this change could potentially make it more challenging for non-subscribers (excluding accounts compelled to verify) to counter misinformation, a trend that researchers have noted is on the rise.
Some argue that restricting replies to accounts verified through payment, phone numbers, or even government ID could potentially mitigate issues like harassment, trolling, and misinformation.
However, this argument loses its strength when we consider factors such as the presence of bots with verified labels and the current state of the platform. Given that X already gives preference to replies from verified accounts, it’s straightforward to assess the quality of discussions initiated by those with paid checkmarks.
(Source: Richard Lawler | The Verge | Sarah Fielding | Engadget)
