X restores random blue checks, sowing more verification confusion

First, X started charging $8 monthly for verification, stripping countless A-listers of their blue checks in the process. That sparked a mess of complaints and impersonators slapping on fake checks.

Now, in the latest unexpected twist, a bunch of users have mysteriously regained complimentary blue checks over the past day or two. From random no-name accounts to big-name celebs like Yvette Nicole Brown, the freebies sparked both delight and disgruntlement.

“I didn’t pay for this. I would NEVER pay for this,” the actress pointedly tweeted after her blue badge re-appeared uninvited. Other users even shared tips on how to remove their new unearned crests through account settings.

What happened? I didn’t pay for this. I would NEVER pay for this.

When did the Blue Check mark start getting passed around again?! 😬 pic.twitter.com/AZdjnIWI3o

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) April 3, 2024

So what gives? Well, last week Musk declared that accounts with over 2,500 verified followers would get free Premium perks (aka blue checks). Accounts topping 5,000 would get the Premium+ tier gratis.

But the fine print on this latest policy pivot is still cloudy. The only heads-up some saw was a vague notification dubbing them an “influential member of the community.”

While a few users welcomed their surprise verification, others like YNB have groaned about being mistaken for paying for the check mark. And the chaos compounds X’s existing woes around content moderation, misinformation, and an advertiser exodus.