NYT Declines to Pay for Twitter Verification, Loses Its Checkmark

The New York Times has lost its verified blue Twitter checkmark after refusing to pay the site’s fee for verification, according to Breitbart News.

The Times issued a statement in which it indicated it would generally not cover verification costs for its journalists.

“We also will not reimburse reporters for Twitter Blue for personal accounts,” the spokesperson said, “except in rare instances where this status would be essential for reporting purposes.”

Twitter announced on March 23 that “On April 1st, we will begin winding down our legacy verified program and removing legacy verified checkmarks.” The company further explained in a March 30 tweet that the move will allow organizations to verify other accounts affiliated with the organization.

“Verified Organizations is a new way for organizations and their affiliates to distinguish themselves on Twitter,” Twitter wrote. “Rather than relying on Twitter to be the sole arbiter of truth for which accounts should be verified, vetted organizations that sign up for Verified Organizations are in full control of vetting and verifying accounts they’re affiliated with.”

Early Sunday morning, Twitter CEO Elon Musk referenced the Times’ decision, writing, “The real tragedy of @NYTimes is that their propaganda isn’t even interesting.”

“Also, their feed is the Twitter equivalent of diarrhea. It’s unreadable,” he added in another tweet. “They would have far more real followers if they only posted their top articles. Same applies to all publications.”