Sertaç Aktan is a journalist based in Brussel, Belgium.

Musk lowers monthly fee for Twitter's blue verification mark to $8

31 Oct 2022  |  euronews  |  Turkish  |  Technology

Following rumors and criticism about a proposed $20 monthly fee for verified Twitter users, Elon Musk announced a reduction of the fee to $8 per month. Musk stated that subscribers would have priority in replies, mentions, and searches, and could post longer video and audio content than free users. Additional features such as editing and undoing tweets may be included in this special subscription service. Verified users will have 90 days to subscribe to 'Twitter Blue' to maintain their verification badge. Musk has been known to plan workforce reductions at Twitter, but specific details remain unclear.

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Twitter Blue

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Sebastián Calderón is a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia. It's main expertise is in the automotive and aviation sector. Recognized motorsport journalist with more than 8 years of experience.
Founder & editor of revistacarros.com.co and aviones.net.co

Twitter Ends COVID-19 Misinformation Policy Under Musk

01 Dec 2022  |  ChapterZ Magazine - We are a movement, not a moment.  |  English  |  Misinformation

Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter has led to significant changes, including the removal of the COVID-19 misinformation policy, which previously suspended accounts spreading false information. This decision has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation, exemplified by the Eli Lilly incident where a fake account caused substantial financial loss. Musk's vision for Twitter as a hub for free speech has also seen the reinstatement of previously banned accounts, such as that of US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The article highlights the potential risks and criticisms associated with these changes.

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Twitter Blue

Interpretive

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Right

Political View

Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

What is Elon Musk’s ‘everything app’ and what can it learn from China?

03 Aug 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Business Strategy

Elon Musk aims to transform the microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, into an 'everything app' similar to China's WeChat, which combines social media, digital payments, and internet browsing. WeChat's success in China was due to timing, limited credit card penetration, and state support, which included banning foreign platforms and endorsing local apps. Musk's super app faces challenges in the US's fragmented internet ecosystem, competition from existing apps, and the need to integrate a payment platform. His ownership of Twitter has been tumultuous, with significant layoffs, moderation changes leading to increased hate speech, advertiser exodus, and a drop in advertising revenue. Technical challenges include data protection and privacy, especially if the app operates globally. The viability of Musk's 'everything app' in Western markets, which are more liberal and consumer-rights oriented, remains uncertain.

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Twitter Blue

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Justus Kiprono is a financial and business journalist in Kenya covering the news that involves the financial market locally, nationally, and internationally, as well as Technology, Immigration, and Guides. His solace lies in producing insightful content on tutorials, financial matters, and in-depth ...

X Premium: How Much Twitter Blue Tick Costs in Kenya (2023)

01 Oct 2023  |  how.africa  |  English  |  Technology

Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X, has democratized the blue tick verification, allowing anyone to subscribe to X Premium for $8 per month or $84 annually in Kenya. The new verification policy requires a profile photo, recent login, and a 90-day-old account. Verified accounts enjoy benefits like extended tweet lengths, text formatting, post-editing, longer video uploads, and reduced ads. Organizations can obtain a gold checkmark for a higher fee, enhancing their networking and brand visibility.

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Twitter Blue X Premium

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Sarah Manavis is a journalist at the New Statesman based in London, United Kingdom.

Conspiracy theorists have found their new paradise on Elon Musk’s ‘X’

27 Oct 2023  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Business

Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as 'X', has led to significant turmoil and negative changes, including mass layoffs, loss of advertisers, and increased misinformation. The platform's functionality and user experience have deteriorated, driving users to alternatives like Bluesky Social. Musk's decisions, such as charging users and removing verification, have been widely criticized, and the platform's future remains uncertain. The article highlights the broader societal impact of these changes, noting the loss of a once influential and informative communication space.

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Bluesky Social Twitter

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Political View

Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

Mr. Altman Goes to Washington, and Casey Goes on This American Life

19 May 2023  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Politics

The article discusses the experiences of Yoel Roth, Twitter's former head of trust and safety, who faced challenges in content moderation, particularly with high-profile figures like Donald Trump. Roth's tenure at Twitter ended after Elon Musk's takeover, which led to significant changes in the company's approach to content moderation and business strategy. The story also covers the introduction of Twitter Blue, a paid verification service that resulted in widespread impersonation and misinformation issues. Roth's departure was influenced by his principles and the direction Twitter was taking under Musk's leadership.

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Twitter Blue Tesla

Factual

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Center

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Faustine Ngila is Kenya's renowned technology journalist based in Nairobi.
He has reported widely on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, covering emerging technologies and innovations in Kenya and Africa.
He writes for the Daily Nation, Business Daily, Taifa Leo and The East African. He is one of a ...

Twitter now wants you to pay to use TweetDeck

04 Jul 2023  |  qz.com  |  English  |  Business Strategy

Twitter will require users to subscribe to the paid Twitter Blue service to access TweetDeck starting August 1. This move is part of Elon Musk's strategy to increase revenue, despite Twitter's significant loss in value and struggles with advertisers. The timing is controversial as Meta's Mark Zuckerberg plans to launch Threads, a direct competitor to Twitter, on July 6.

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Twitter Blue TweetDeck Threads

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Liam Scott is an independent journalist based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on human rights and mass atrocities, China, press freedom, and disinformation.

Turkey Tests Elon Musk’s Grasp of Twitter

14 Feb 2023  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Politics

Turkey restricted access to Twitter following a devastating earthquake, citing the need to curb disinformation. Critics argue the move is part of a broader pattern of government censorship, especially ahead of upcoming elections. Elon Musk's handling of Twitter's global responsibilities is scrutinized, highlighting his compliance with local laws that stifle free speech. The article discusses the implications of Twitter's actions on disaster relief efforts and the broader impact on free expression in countries with restrictive regimes.

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Twitter Blue

Interpretive

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Center-Left

Political View

My name is Margaret Wanjiru. A correspondent  for the star News paper based in Kenya. I do freelance photography as well as write stories.

i write health stories as well as human interest stories professionally.

am a champion of body positivity as well.

i do shoot and edit videos ...

Twitter verification procedure and other expected changes

31 Oct 2022  |  The Star  |  English  |  Technology

Twitter's new owner, Elon Musk, is reportedly planning to introduce a feature that charges users $20 for blue badge verification. Verified users will have 90 days to subscribe to Twitter Blue or lose their verification status. The changes aim to make verification accessible to more users who are active and can confirm their identity, potentially helping to combat disinformation and impersonation. The article also outlines the steps to request verification on Twitter.

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Twitter Blue

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Steven Winkelman is a journalist.

What exactly is X Premium (FKA Twitter Blue)

27 Feb 2023  |  Android Police  |  English  |  Subscription Services

X, formerly known as Twitter, has rebranded its subscription service Twitter Blue to X Premium, offering features like verification, tweet editing, and additional two-factor authentication. The service, which costs $11 per month on mobile and $8 per month on the web in the U.S., has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the blue checkmark verification and the introduction of another subscription model. X Premium includes exclusive features such as X Pro (formerly TweetDeck), longer video uploads, and customizable app icons. The rebranding follows Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in October 2022.

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Twitter Blue X Premium X Pro TweetDeck

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