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Twitter is relaunching its verification system, and is seeking public feedback on its new policy ahead of the launch itself in 2021.
Verified accounts on Twitter receive a blue tick next to their name, establishing that the user is who they claim to be.
The social media platform put a temporary hold on its general verifications two years ago following complaints about its 'blue ticks' lending gravitas to controversial figures.
The move to pause verifications came after an outcry over Twitter putting a coveted blue tick next to the account of alt-right activist Jason Kessler, who organised the
rally attended by white supremacists in Charlottesville
in August.
Twitter said it will focus on verifying six types of accounts initially: those of government officials; companies, brands and non-profit organisations; news; entertainment; sports; and activists, organisers and other "influential individuals".
The company uses blue verified badges and account labels to distinguish "notable, authentic accounts on Twitter" and this year has verified medical experts tweeting about COVID-19, and added labels to identify candidates running for office.
According to the new proposed policy, "the blue verified badge on Twitter lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic" and does not indicate that Twitter endorses their views.
The company has also added proposed criteria to automatically remove verification from an account, or if it is found to be in repeated violation of the Twitter rules.
"We recognise that there are many verified accounts on Twitter who should not be," the company said.
"We plan to start by automatically removing badges from accounts that are inactive or have incomplete profiles to help streamline our work and to expand this to include additional types of accounts over the course of 2021."
