Popular microblogging platform, Twitter, has stated that it will permanently suspend impersonation accounts which do not clearly specify “parody”.
The new Twitter boss, Elon Musk, made this known in a series of tweets on Monday.
The Chief Twit, as he calls himself, stated that the suspension would come without warning, following the rollout of widespread verification on the platform.
Musk said, “Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying ‘parody’ will be permanently suspended.
“Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning.
“This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue.”
He added that change on the name of any verified account will lead to temporary loss of the checkmark.
“Any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark,” Musk added.
Reassuring users on his commitment to free speech, Musk stated, “My commitment to free speech extends even to not banning the account following my plane, even though that is a direct personal safety risk.”
The Tesla Boss has announced a new monthly fee of $8 for the blue tick verification badge, which is used to identify public figures.
He also revealed that the mission of Twitter was to become the most accurate source of information about the world, stating that widespread verification will empower “the voice of the people.”
Musk stated, “Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That’s our mission.
“Widespread verification will democratise journalism and empower the voice of the people.”