Twitter users have been able to verify their accounts for a monthly fee since the launch of Twitter Blue in November 2022. This has led to a flood of verified accounts, some of which are associated with spam bots and fake information. The introduction of a Know Your Customer requirement did little to deter trolls from taking advantage of the service.
To address this issue, a browser extension called “Eight Dollars” has been created. It helps users differentiate between accounts that have paid for verification and those that have earned it through the traditional process. For accounts that have paid for verification, the extension displays a “paid” text next to the blue checkmark. For others, it simply shows “verified.”
The extension provides transparency to the Twitter platform and helps identify scam accounts, as evidenced by positive reviews from users. This has been welcomed by users who are concerned about the flood of verified accounts that have made it difficult to identify legitimate accounts.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was involved in the launch of Twitter Blue, which was designed to discourage spam bots and fake accounts. However, he and other tech industry leaders recently signed an open letter calling for a halt to the development of artificial intelligence. This has split opinions, with some entrepreneurs, such as Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, believing that every technology poses a certain amount of danger, and the goal should be to keep moving forward.
In conclusion, the “Eight Dollars” browser extension provides a useful tool for Twitter users who are concerned about the flood of verified accounts on the platform. It helps distinguish between legitimate accounts and those that have paid for verification, which has reintroduced user doubt. While there are differing opinions on the development of artificial intelligence, transparency on social media platforms is crucial in identifying scam accounts and restoring user trust.
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