Sources have revealed that new Twitter boss Elon Musk is considering a massive change to the way the site works which could bag him $8 million (£7m) straight off the bat.
After a bit of dilly-dalling around over whether or not he was actually going to purchase the social networking site - or just get sued by the platform instead - Elon Musk bought Twitter using some of his spare change: $44 billion (£34 billion), to be precise.
Since moving into Twitter headquarters armed with a sink last week, Musk has wasted no time in cracking on with making a series of big changes to the way the social networking site is run.
Having already reportedly fired top executives, Musk has also revealed the 'whole verification process is being revamped right now'.
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The potential change, which could see Musk line his pockets with a hefty sum, has caused controversy amongst users.
Twitter Blue - which offers 'exclusive access to premium features' such as the ability to edit tweets - first launched in June 2021 as a monthly subscription service.
If you've managed to get a blue tick in the first place, well done, you've made it.
Alas, you may not have made it for long, as being a verified user may soon be coming at a price.
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According to two sources 'familiar with the matter', discussions are currently taking place at Twitter HQ over whether or not to make verified users sign up to Twitter Blue or lose their blue ticks, according to Platformer.
If you thought you were angry over the rising prices of a Netflix subscription, wait until you hear about this.
The subscription to maintain a blue tick by your name was first reported as costing $4.99 (£4.30) a month, however the Verge has reported the price of Twitter Blue may rise to a whopping $19.99 (£17.30) per month.
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The service could subsequently see Musk reap an $8 million reward - there currently being around 400,000 verified users on the platform.
If the subscription comes into play, blue tick users will reportedly have 90 days to make their minds up over whether or not they want to cough up the cash to remain among the Twitter elite, or if they're going to lower their supposed rank and come back down to join the rest of us.
Many users have been left angered by the possibility of being charged such a fee, with one arguing how a blue tick shouldn't be being turned into a 'status symbol'.
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Katie Mack stated: "The point of Twitter verification is that for certain individuals/ organizations it’s useful to be able to verify their statements are coming from them. (This is why so many journalists/reporters are verified.)
"It’s supposed to help combat disinformation, not be a status symbol.
"I suspect if this change goes through, it’ll just generally be harder for anyone to know what information is in any way reliable or vouched for by a real person or organisation. More noise, less signal."
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According to The Verge, Twitter employees risk being fired unless they launch the new feature by 7 November.
UNILAD has contacted Twitter for a comment.
Topics: Elon Musk, Twitter, Social Media, Viral, Money, US News, World News
Poppy Bilderbeck