Twitter now lets anyone apply to get verified

Twitter is making it easier for people to receive verified accounts with the creation of an online application process. The move is likely intended to clarify how Twitter will grant people the fabled blue checkmark on their profiles, while also reducing the tweets and questions it probably fields daily about how one can be verified.

Tina Bhatnagar, who works at Twitter’s user services, explained in a blog post that the company’s goal is “to help more people find great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for creators and influencers — no matter where they are in the world — to easily connect with a broader audience.”

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While the aim is commendable, it’ll likely spur a massive number of applicants all eager to receive a blue checkmark, no longer making it as special. Previously, Twitter said that it approves account types for those in the music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and “other key interest areas.”

Having a verified account offers some proof that you are who you appear to be online and is something that other social networks and services have, such as Facebook and Flipboard. At a time when people are turning to the internet for official comments in a space filled with truths, half-truths, and lies, being able to filter out the noise to find an authority on a subject can be problematic. Of course, with the rapidly changing landscape, Twitter can’t be staffed to scour the world looking for experts and those who should be verified, so it’s making the process a bit more open.

There’s no guarantee that if you submit an application that you’ll be granted that blue checkmark next to your name, though. And while this makes things a tad easier for Twitter, what will it do about the harassment on its service that has resulted in users like actress Leslie Jones abandoning it?

Updated at 10:33 a.m. Pacific on Wednesday: Twitter has activated its application form.