Twitter users can expect another string of shake-ups as some features for non-paying accounts will soon be scrapped.
CEO Elon Musk first introduced Twitter Blue, the site's first ever subscription service, in December. It offers creators exclusive features, including a blue-tick verification and the option to edit their own published Tweets.
It was rolled out in a bid for users to 'get more creative power' over their content. Users can currently pay 7 US dollars, or £5.69 a month, for an annual subscription to the service.
But from next month, new rules will mean many currently universal features will no longer be available for users who aren't subscribed to Twitter Blue. Here are the proposed changes which will come into effect from April 15.
Blue verification marks
Before Twitter Blue, users had to apply to have their accounts verified on the site. Known as 'legacy accounts,' the blue check mark let other users know the account is of public interest and authentic.
News outlets, celebrities and journalists are among those who could get verified on the site - and they would have to submit an application with evidence to be reviewed by Twitter employees. But soon Twitter could remove the verified status of some 'legacy' accounts which were set up before Mr Musk bought the platform for 44 billion US dollars (£35.7 billion) in October.
Instead, people will have to subscribe to Twitter Blue to become verified - which means anyone who pays can have a blue tick. This has sparked concern from Twitter users over impersonation risks.
It follows the Tesla and SpaceX boss sharing his assertion that the blue verification marks have become an underserved or “corrupt” status symbol for journalists and celebrities.
In response to criticism from Canadian actor William Shatner that the blue checks will soon disappear for non-paying accounts, Mr Musk said the rules are “more about treating everyone equally” as there “shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities”.
But other personalities including American activist Monica Lewinsky criticised the move, suggesting that allowing people to pay for verification leaves the platform open to impersonation and misinformation.
She tweeted: “In what universe is it fair to people who can suffer consequences for being impersonated? A lie travels half way around the world before truth even gets out the door.” She proceeded to share a link to her Instagram account.
Polls
A popular feature on Twitter is its use of polls, allowing users to both pose questions and answer the other people's queries. But from April, only those who have verified, paid-for accounts will be able to vote in polls, making the feature redundant for those who using the site for free.
'For you' page
The site's 'for you' page will also be changing. The tab shows users Tweets from accounts and topics they follow, as well as recommended Tweets outside their follow lists.
But from mid-April, only verified accounts will be recommended in the site's 'for you' page. Mr Musk said that the changes to both the 'for you' page and the polls is 'the is the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over.' He added: "It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle."
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