Elon Musk's Twitter rolls out check mark badges, launch delayed just 1 day later

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk fired approximately half of Twitter's employees or about 3,700 people, and now he's decided to postpone the launch of Twitter's new verification system.

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Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, has decided to postpone the launch of Twitter's new verification system that will give the iconic verified check marks to accounts that pay the $7.99 a month subscription for Twitter Blue. According to a report by The New York Times that spoke to two people with knowledge of the situation, Musk and Twitter have decided to halt the rollout of verification check marks to Twitter Blue subscribers until after Tuesday's midterm elections.

The decision to delay the launch of blue check marks ahead of the midterms came from widespread concern that many people would have the ability to create verified accounts impersonating important political figures, such as President Joe Biden, prominent lawmakers, or officials, ahead of the election. These illegitimate verified accounts could then post misinformation about the election or even influence the results.

• Read more: Elon Musk agrees Twitter staff privately sold verification for more than $15,000

The potential impact of the verification badge changes were taken into account, and according to the manager working on the verification badge project, "we've made the decision to move the launch of this release to Nov. 9, after the election."

"Power to the people. Your account will get a blue check mark, just like the celebrities, companies, and politicians you already follow," read the announcement.

• Read more: Elon Musk reveals what you'll get on Twitter if you pay $8 a month

If you are interested in what you'll get if you decide to sign up for Twitter Blue, check out the below link.

• Read more: Elon Musk reveals what you'll get on Twitter if you pay $8 a month