Twitter has recently implemented changes to its verification rules which have resulted in thousands of accounts, including that of Cristiano Ronaldo, losing their blue ticks. The blue tick was previously used to confirm the validity of official accounts, and Ronaldo, with 108.3 million followers, was the most followed athlete on the platform.
Here are some key takeaways from the recent changes and reactions to them: Cristiano Ronaldo, Twitter’s Most Followed Athlete, Loses His Blue Tick
Twitter’s new rules
Twitter’s new rules have removed the “legacy” checks and now force users to pay for the privilege of the blue tick as part of the new ‘Twitter Blue’ scheme. Users can pay a monthly subscription of $8 (£6.46) to sign up to Twitter Blue, which comes with the blue tick along with access to other features such as longer video uploads and an edit button.
Ronaldo’s loss of verification
Despite being the most followed sportsperson on the platform, Ronaldo has lost his blue tick on Twitter due to these changes. The removal of blue tick marks has led to concerns that impersonation attempts will increase, and it will also spur on an increased wave of misinformation.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Twitter’s Most Followed Athlete, Loses His Blue Tick
Other celebrities who lost their blue ticks
Ronaldo was not alone in losing his blue tick, as many other celebrities also lost their verification badges, including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Bill Gates, Justin Timberlake, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Donald Trump, the Pope, and Oprah Winfrey.
Elon Musk’s role
Elon Musk, who took over Twitter in October 2022, has been involved in the changes. Musk himself paid $8 a month out of his own pocket to keep the verified blue tick on basketball superstar LeBron James, as well as author Stephen King and actor William Shatner. However, Ronaldo apparently missed out on Musk’s generosity, leaving many fans confused.
Reaction from celebrities
Many celebrities have taken umbrage with Musk’s money-making tactics and have chosen not to contribute to his coffers. Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte tweeted, “Damn Elon what did u do lol.” US rapper Ice T also lost his blue tick, before it was reinstated. The fact that we’re even discussing blue check marks is a sad moment in society, he tweeted.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Twitter’s Most Followed Athlete, Loses His Blue Tick
The removal of blue ticks on Twitter has caused controversy, with many questioning the company’s motives for implementing such changes. Nonetheless, this new development highlights the increasing importance of online presence and the value of being verified on social media platforms
Read more : Will Cristiano Ronaldo get a medal from Manchester United if they win the FA Cup?
