At the controls of Twitter for a few days, Elon Musk’s first decisions do not stop animating the platform. He became the sole director of the company thanks to dissolution of the board of directorsthe businessman now has his hands free to shape Twitter as you see fit.
But the main goal is still to turn it into a profitable social network. This is why the new master of the place plans to monetize the allocation of certification badges. According to the edgeemployees have until November 7 to convert the current monthly Twitter Blue subscription, which gives access to additional characteristics. If they don’t, they will be fired.
A scam targeting verified accounts
Although some certified users have already criticized this measureThe new boss hopes to offer Twitter certification to everyone for a monthly payment of $20.
However, making the blue badge accessible to everyone could be dangerous. In addition, users have already suffered inconveniences related to this decision. And this, even before its possible entry into force.
So what the acquisition of Twitter not yet registered, a scam had targeted accounts that had the certification in October. Certified astrophysicist Eric Lagadec, followed by over 100,000 people, has been added to a bizarre list of blacklisted accounts by a user posing as Twitter. The goal was to send him to a booby-trapped page where he was asked for this personal information to appeal this decision.
But since Elon Musk’s proposal to monetize earning the blue badge, a phishing campaign has been launched, reports TechCrunch. Taking advantage of the possibility of losing your certification in case you don’t sign up for a monthly subscription, the scammers offer to keep the sesame for free. Once again, it is the user credentials that are targeted.
Erosion of trust in the platform
In addition to attracting cybercriminals, the move to on-demand certification raises questions about its purpose. The delivery of these badges to certain selected accounts is the guarantee of having reliable information. the edge he even claims that verification plays a central role in building trust on Twitter.
The American site explains that stars, companies or press groups will be able to pay the 240 dollars a year that Elon Musk claims. But for everything else, the proposal from the new head of Twitter could erode that trust by setting the stage for a bit of chaos.
The accounts of minor public figures or government agencies are more likely to be hijacked. These are the most usurped by harassment campaigns. But at the same time, they are the least willing to pay a monthly fee for certification.
While Elon Musk once wanted to “verify all humans,” the opposite approach would taint trust on Twitter. The platform needs a verified user base more than many people need little blue badges.
Source: BFM TV
