Experts have warned Twitter against charging $20 for verified accounts saying it would aid fake news.
Recall that we had reported that following Elon Musk’s takeover of
Twitter management in a record $44b dollar deal, the platform is eyeing
$20 per month subscription fees for its verified badge.
The report added that Twitter’s verified users would have 90 days
to subscribe or lose their blue checkmark under the proposed new policy.
The development has continued to generate buzz across the world.
Speaking to DAILY POST in a chat on Tuesday, the strategic
communications manager, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Suleiman Murkthar
and the Editor of News Digest, Gidado Shuaib said the move could water
down the whole idea of combating fake news.
On his part, Murkthar said if the proposal comes to light, free speech might be hindered.
According to him, “I am thinking the current management of
Twitter being a capitalist-driven system is thinking of how they can
milk some crop of people with verification. But that would impede the
whole idea of combatting fake news which is the alter ego of free speech
“Because depending on what the T’s and C’s would be, then
anyone can buy verification for anything. And people who should champion
things better may not want to opt for the payment plan."
Meanwhile, Gidabo explained that such a move may be targeted at big brands.
However, he noted that if the move would include Journalists, media
houses other related professionals, it is bad for free speech.
He also lamented that the majority of Nigerians cannot afford the said amount owing to the rising Dollar rate against Naira.
“I think it is just for big brands, mostly people who are verified are people who are recognised in the community.
“If he’s saying he will be charging only on big brands, I think
it is justifiable and a way to source income for the platform. But
telling journalists, and comrades using the platform to push for social
change, accountability you could say such a move will hamper free
speech. We are looking forward to knowing in the coming days, the terms
and conditions that will come with this payment.
“For instance, telling a typical Nigerian to come and pay $20
every month for a Twitter verified badge in a country where we are
seeing the rising Dollar against the Naira, is going to be unfortunate.
“I think the development will affect the media as a whole but at the same time it will create an opportunity for rethinking”, he stated.
Twitter’s sole director Elon Musk has been making drastic changes to the platform since he bought it.
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