The Twitter account, with the handle @DougFord_ON, is one of the latest in a number of accounts to receive verification by purchase following the acquisition of the social media platform by billionaire Elon Musk. The platform’s blue check verification system has been in operation since 2009 and was created to ensure that high-profile and publicly visible accounts are who they say they are.
Read more: Twitter to add ‘official’ badge to large verified accounts
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Twitter will add the “official” badge to large verified accounts
Now, however, verification is available for purchase at $8 per month after Musk changed the rules. Experts have expressed concern that making the checkmark available to anyone for a fee could lead to impersonations and the spread of misinformation and fraud. Story continues below ad A look at the parody account aimed at the Premier of Ontario confirmed that he received verification because he subscribes to the new “Twitter Blue” service. On Thursday night, Musk, who calls himself “Chief Twit,” said that any parody account “must include ‘parody’ in the name, not just in the bio.” “To be more precise, accounts that parody impersonation. Basically, fooling people is not okay,” he said. To be more precise, accounts that parody impersonation. Basically, tricking people is not okay. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 11, 2022 But as of Friday morning, @DougFord_ON didn’t have “parody” in his name and remains active. Current trend
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The bio, however, said it’s a parody account. Story continues below ad “This is a parody account. I don’t know what that word means, but I know I’m the Premier of Ontario,” it read. “I work until midnight every night.” The account is also complete with the same profile picture the Prime Minister uses on his real account, @fordnation. A number of other accounts that appear to be various notables have also been verified in recent days via market. Even @jesus has a blue check mark. Meanwhile, Twitter said on Tuesday it would also add a second, gray “official” label to some high-profile accounts to indicate they are authentic. As of Friday morning, @fordnation did not have that second check. Global News has reached out to Ford’s office and Twitter account @DougFord_ON for comment. — With files from The Associated Press 5:46 The changing landscape of social media Previous Video Next Video © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
