Twitter to allow users to apply for 'blue tick' verification

From today Twitter will allow users to apply for a much-coveted "blue tick" as part of a new verification process on the social platform.

As reported by Nine.com.au earlier this week, Twitter's decision to re-allow applications for the blue tick comes after a four-year hiatus following a dumping of the program in 2017.

The social giant said giving users a "blue badge" was a way of helping users distinguish authentic, trustworthy accounts.

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"The blue badge is one of the ways we help people distinguish the authenticity of accounts that are of high public interest," Twitter said.

"It gives people on Twitter more context about who they're having conversations with so they can determine if it's trustworthy, which our research has shown leads to healthier, more informed conversations."

To qualify for a blue tick, users must fit the criteria of one of six categories as well as having a profile name, image and a confirmed email address or phone number.

READ MORE: Twitter ditches 'biased' image-cropping algorithm

A full list of the categories can be found below.

Twitter said it anticipates most applications to be approved or knocked back within a couple of days.

"Once you submit your application, you can expect an emailed response from us within a few days, but this could take up to a few weeks depending on how many open applications are in our queue," Twitter said in its release.

"If your application is approved, you'll see the blue badge automatically on your profile. If you think we made a mistake, reapply 30 days after receiving our decision on your application."

The social giant says it plans to create more categories going forward, specifically for scientists, academics and religious leaders.

Those interested in applying should see the verification tab appear under the "Account Settings" tab of their profile in the coming days.

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Who's eligible for a Twitter blue tick?

To qualify for verification, you must fit the criteria of one of the six categories listed below:

• Government
• Companies, brands and organisations
• News organisations and journalists
• Entertainment
• Sports and gaming
• Activists, organisers, and other influential individuals