The Dark Side of Verified Accounts on X
As a frequent user of X, I’ve always been under the impression that a verified account was a mark of authenticity, a badge of honor that indicated the user was trustworthy. But recent investigations by the European Union have revealed a shocking truth: X’s verified accounts are potentially deceiving users.
The allure of a verified account
The EU’s tech regulator has accused X of breaching online content rules, stating that its “verified” blue tick accounts have the potential to deceive users into thinking the identity of those with blue ticks was verified, when in fact anybody can pay for a blue tick. This lack of transparency has led to “malicious actors” abusing the system, putting users at risk of being duped into believing false information.
:“The DSA is misinformation,” Elon Musk, X’s CEO, reacted angrily to the accusations. However, I believe this reaction is a clear case of deflecting accountability. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) is in place to protect users, and it’s essential that tech giants like X comply with these regulations.
The EU’s Digital Services Act aims to protect users
X’s defense of its practices, stating that a “democratised system, allowing everyone across Europe to access verification, is better than just the privileged few being verified,” rings hollow. If verifying accounts is as simple as paying for it, then what’s the point of verification in the first place? This system is ripe for abuse, and it’s the users who will ultimately suffer.
The EU’s investigation has also found issues with X’s advertising transparency and its refusal to provide data for research use. This lack of cooperation is a red flag, and it’s clear that X needs to take drastic measures to regain the trust of its users.
As the EU continues its investigation, one thing is clear: the days of blind trust in verified accounts are over. It’s time for tech companies to prioritize transparency and accountability, and for users to be more discerning about the sources they interact with online.
It’s time for tech companies to prioritize transparency
