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Twitter $8 ‘free speech’ blue checkmark rollout closer than you think

The date set out for Twitter's controversial $8 subscription-based blue verification checkmark for all is closer than ever despite plenty of pushbacks - it could take just a day or two to have it rolled-out right post Tuesday US midterm elections according to confirmed sources.

Though Twitter has pushed back the rollout of the $8 subscription-based blue verification mark in order to stay vigilant during the current US midterm elections, ensuring there’s no interference or chances to use it to sow discord, the date set out for this controversial move is closer than ever, and has been earmarked for as early as late Tuesday if not Wednesday, November 9.

The news comes just days after big boss Elon Musk alluded to the introduction of the subscription model on his account in the aftermath of his $44 billion Twitter takeover, and over six months since his infamous ‘Woke Netflix‘ comments in April.

It’s understood the date was duly confirmed by verified sources from Slack as per this New York Times report, with a decision reportedly made to move the launch of this much-talked about new system until after the current US midterm elections.

“Power to the people,” recent Twitter app update read. “Your account will get a blue checkmark (for $7.99) , just like the celebrities, companies, and politicians you already follow.”

Elon Musk Twitter: The South African-born space billionaire believes widespread verification will democratise journalism and empower the voice of the people.

Earlier on Sunday, we tried testing it by subscribing to Twitter Blue but weren’t able to do much. Twitter says it’s continuing to test these new features and not everyone will have access for now, and has since only released this new version for iOS only.

And while many Twitter users have raised concerns about the rollout of this release, with some wondering how could a so called free speech excerise come with a cost attached to it, and others suggesting to Twitter to consider implementing a variety of verification options as per below Twitter, it remains to be seen how will the powers that be at Twitter will go about this.

Whether it’s going to be a free pass for all, as long as you are willing to fork out the prescribed $8 fee for the once sought-after blue verification checkmark, it is yet to be found out.

Tankiso Komane
Tankiso Komane
A Tshwane University of Technology journalism graduate, Tankiso Komane has a vast experience in print & broadcast media business and has worked for some of the country’s biggest daily newspapers, including The Sowetan, The Citizen, The Times, and The New Age. Through her varied work as a journalist, notably as a copywriter for SABC1 (On-Air promotions) and as a publicist for Onyx Communications, she has developed an in-depth understanding of the nature of the media business and how to use it for the purpose of exposure. Her expertise in journalism across various disciplines, coupled with a good reputation, has laid the foundation of a new kind "trust in Journalism" as the media ecosystem continues to digitally evolve.
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