@TC Nole OX
“As a proud European citizen,
it pains me to say this, but Thierry Breton's recent statements about the blue checkmarks on 𝕏 are misleading and quite frustrating. Having extensively analyzed public data from Twitter, I can attest that the blue checks were far from the trustworthy symbols Breton claims they were.
The Reality of Blue Checks on Twitter 1.0:
- Spam accounts frequently manipulated Twitter's verification by claiming their account was being impersonated (sometimes by their own alternate accounts) just to obtain the coveted blue check. This tactic was alarmingly common.
- Simply spending money on ads could guarantee a blue checkmark, regardless of the account's authenticity or credibility.
- During my data analysis, I encountered numerous verified accounts that were clearly spam or untrustworthy. The criteria for verification seemed inconsistent at best. Conversely, genuinely trustworthy sources often found it nearly impossible to get verified, despite their credibility and public interest.
The Current State with 𝕏 Premium
- Now, we can be assured that blue check accounts are at least real people. This is particularly crucial in an age where AI can create convincing fake profiles.
- The introduction of ID verification will only enhance this system, ensuring that verified accounts are tied to actual identities.
- The separation of verification colors (blue for individuals, gold for advertisers, and grey for government entities), greatly improves transparency and helps prevent users from being misled.
Regarding the DSA infringement Claims:
Thierry, please take an objective look at X’s Community Notes feature, which effectively combats misinformation. This tool could greatly benefit all social platforms in Europe. In fact, I believe it should be illegal to not have a community notes tool on your social platform.
I urge you to reconsider your stance and withdraw your accusations against 𝕏. Instead, advocate for tools like Community Notes to enhance the fight against misinformation and uphold European values.”