Twitter has officially announced that all legacy verifications will be removed starting April 1st, requiring all public figures and celebrities to subscribe to Twitter Blue to keep their blue tick.
The account verified by Twitter tweeted made the announcement on Thursday and shared an application link for companies and government organizations that are being charged $1,000 per month to maintain their verified status, rather than the $8 per month that Twitter Blue costs for individuals.
It is unclear whether there will be exceptions to the rule. “Every single person who is connected to a verified organization has their Twitter account automatically verified,” says Elon Musk tweeted on Friday. Twitter didn’t immediately respond when BuzzFeed News asked for clarification on this tweet.
While many have wondered how they will separate misinformation From the truth about the app now, some users, both currently legacy verified and otherwise, have seized the moment to celebrate the end of an era.
“I’d rather pay my own dad to scold me than pay for your stupid tick,” YouTuber Matt (Blarg) tweeted. “I too would rather pay Matt’s dad to scold me than etc,” wrote author Rob Tannenbaum answered.
Others expressed relief at having their verification revoked and mocked Twitter Blue. “Thanks for doing this,” said comedian Mike Drucker answered to the announcement. “Some users on Twitter started mistaking me for someone who pays $8 a month to feel special. It was embarrasing.”
And some have wondered if the April 1 launch date is a prank or stunt on Musk’s part. “I hope this is a funny April Fool’s joke because I’m not paying!” one verified user called.
The end of Legacy Verification is the latest in a series of controversial decisions by Musk, which has sparked backlash since assuming leadership of the platform. The launch of Twitter Blue on November 5, 2022 was interrupted after some users used the subscription to parody public figure meme accounts, for example tweeting in the persona of former President George W. Bush, saying: “I miss killing Iraqis.” Another person impersonating pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly tweeted that “insulin is now free,” prompting the company’s stock to fall dramatically. A few months later, the company announced it would cap insulin prices, a decision some people attributed in part to the aftermath of the prank.
Days after publication, Musk decided to pause the launch of Twitter Blue before reintroducing it in December.