Users of the platform received a notification on Thursday, revealing that the ability to hide their blue checkmarks, previously exclusive to Premium users, will be eliminated.
Last summer, X introduced the option for users to display or hide their blue checkmarks.
However, the platform's decision to remove this feature now comes without clear explanation, leaving users uncertain about the reasoning and timeline for implementation.
Initially, the blue checkmark was emblematic of verified status, serving as a status symbol. However, its importance waned when X shifted to a paid verification system after Elon Musk assumed ownership.
With the transition, having a blue checkmark became synonymous with holding a Premium subscription.
This integration of verification and subscription status streamlined the platform's offerings but also raised concerns regarding misuse and accountability.
Unfortunately, the blue checkmark feature was exploited by scammers and impersonators, leading to instances of online harassment and mass blocking directed at verified accounts.
This misuse highlighted the need for improved verification processes and user protection measures.
Over time, X expanded blue check eligibility criteria to include accounts with over a million followers, encompassing numerous celebrities, public figures, and even accounts of deceased individuals.
More recently, X distributed free blue checks to accounts with a high number of verified followers, regardless of the account owners' preferences. Although Elon Musk had announced this move earlier, its implementation caught many users off guard.
In response to the unexpected distribution, some newly designated Premium and Premium Plus users attempted to distance themselves from the associated stigma by opting to conceal their blue checkmarks.
However, with the removal of the hiding option, these users now face the prospect of continued visibility of their blue checks.