Twitter is changing the way you can apply to have your account verified on the platform. The new verification program will be opened again to the public early next year after it was suspended three years ago.
The micro-blogging service today announced that it"s now seeking public feedback for its draft on a new verification policy. You can submit your feedback here. Rumors about Twitter"s plan to restore its verification process for everyone surfaced in June.
Twitter"s new verification policy is meant to make it clear "what verification means, who is eligible for verification and why some accounts might lose verification to ensure the process is more equitable." The goal is to lay the groundwork for future improvements.
Under the draft policy, Twitter will serve its blue verified badge to the following types of accounts: government; companies, brands and non-profit organizations; news; entertainment; sports; and activists, organizers, and other influential individuals. The new policy will also warrant the removal of the verification badge from an account that"s inactive or incomplete as well as accounts that violate Twitter"s rules on multiple occasions.
The company can also deny verification requests from repeat violators even if they fall under the type of account that"s eligible for the badge. Next year, Twitter plans to expand the categories and criteria for verification. The feedback period will conclude on December 8 and Twitter will introduce the final policy on December 17.