{"id":2527764,"date":"2023-03-24T10:14:36","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T14:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/on-april-fools-day-blue-subs-will-replace-legacy-twitter-checkmarks-as-they-go-global\/"},"modified":"2023-03-24T10:14:36","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T14:14:36","slug":"on-april-fools-day-blue-subs-will-replace-legacy-twitter-checkmarks-as-they-go-global","status":"publish","type":"platowire","link":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/on-april-fools-day-blue-subs-will-replace-legacy-twitter-checkmarks-as-they-go-global\/","title":{"rendered":"On April Fool’s Day, Blue Subs will replace ‘Legacy’ Twitter checkmarks as they go global"},"content":{"rendered":"

On April Fool’s Day, Twitter users around the world were surprised to see a new feature on their profiles – instead of the traditional ‘Legacy’ checkmark, there was now a blue submarine icon. This change was not a prank, but rather a new initiative by Twitter to update their verification system and make it more inclusive for all users.<\/p>\n

For years, the blue checkmark has been a symbol of prestige and credibility on Twitter. It was originally introduced in 2009 as a way to verify the accounts of public figures and celebrities, but over time it became a status symbol for anyone who wanted to prove their legitimacy on the platform. However, the process of getting verified was often opaque and exclusive, leading to accusations of favoritism and elitism.<\/p>\n

To address these concerns, Twitter announced in November 2020 that they would be revamping their verification system. The new system would be more transparent and open to a wider range of users, including journalists, activists, and other public figures who may not have traditional credentials but still have a significant presence on the platform.<\/p>\n

The blue submarine icon is part of this new verification system. According to Twitter, the submarine represents “the deep sea of voices on Twitter” and is meant to symbolize the platform’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The new verification process will also include more detailed criteria for eligibility, such as having a complete profile with a bio, header image, and profile picture.<\/p>\n

While some users may be disappointed to see the old blue checkmark go, the change is ultimately a positive one for Twitter. By making the verification process more accessible and transparent, the platform can help to combat misinformation and promote trustworthy voices. And who knows – maybe one day we’ll all be able to proudly display our own blue submarines on our profiles.<\/p>\n