We know a little more about Elon Musk’s negotiating skills… After acquiring the social network Twitter for the sum of $44 million after a long soap opera, the billionaire founder of SpaceX has indicated that he wants to set up a paid certification , for 20 dollars a month. Officially to “give power to the people”, as opposed to the current system, which he sees as that of “lords and peasants”, unofficially a good way to “pay the bills”. The protests are quickly merging, and in a response to author Stephen King, Elon Musk publicly suggested on his social network that this price be reduced to $8.
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It’s in the bag ? Not so easy, because the native of Pretoria not only wants to set up this new system as quickly as possible, but also link it to a new algorithm that is intended to emphasize the content of these premium tweeters. So who is tomorrow’s cert? What will our Twitter feed look like? Is this the end of the blue bird network as we know it and can we expect a loss of subscribers? 20 minutes takes stock.
Can we see certified trolls and public figures relinquishing their authentication?
For the oldest users of the platform, the little blue badge doesn’t necessarily mean what it used to mean. Originally, “these badges were reserved for the media and journalists,” recalls Emmanuelle Patry, founder of Social Media Lab, to highlight verified sources of information. In 2016, the platform opened an “application process” and found “that a lot of people needed it,” Anuchika Stanislaus, a specialist in digital politics, told 20 minutes. The social network then began a “long-term work” on categorizing accounts between government institutions, brands, entertainment personalities, etc.
Today, Elon Musk is destroying “everything,” she denounces. In the name of “power to the people”, the overhaul can even become dangerous. “An $8-a-month subscription isn’t a requirement,” estimates Emmanuelle Patry, who worries that “the right people aren’t buying.” According to her, “the risk of fraud is very high because when you see a certified account, you have more confidence”. And while Elon Musk sees it as a way to fight bots and fake profiles, this new badge raises questions.
“There will be an information chaos because the signs that give certainties to the user will disappear,” warns Anuchika Stanislaus. According to her, “it’s going to cost a little money to hijack the badge” and end up with media outlets and certified covert influencers. At the same time, the question of payment for keeping the card “will be an issue in every newsroom,” warns Emmanuelle Patry, especially to find out who in the journalists or the media supports this bill. Suffice it to say that the guarantee of authenticity, transparency and seriousness of the badge should be forgotten.
Selected certified content, videos… What will our Twitter feed look like?
Elon Musk wants to add a new algorithm to the new certification badge that draws Twitter at two speeds. On the one hand, for those who pay for certification, the possibility of uploading larger audio and video files than currently, half the ads and… better visibility in the answers and requests of other users. Who will find themselves with a thread where those in power come first, a bit like ” that doesn’t say their name,” regrets Anuchika Stanislaus.
Following the example of Instagram and TikTok, Elon Musk wants to “promote different formats”, especially videos, emphasizes Emmanuelle Patry for 20 minutes. In particular, the billionaire hopes to attract content creators and promises them a nice reward at the end of the day. But in the context of prioritizing certified accounts, “we’re moving towards less prioritization of information,” she said. It has been almost a long time since we could configure the application according to our interests.
When the project comes to an end, can we witness a leak from Twitter users?
What is the question so that those who are mainly subscribed to cat accounts stay on the platform? Yes, the two experts answer in unison. “Historical users can leave,” Emmanuelle Patry said, while Elon Musk’s promises “can attract people with extreme opinions.” Kanye West will therefore return to the platform in the name of “freedom of expression”, while the rapper recently argued in a French outlet that family planning was introduced with the aim of killing black children. And a return of Donald Trump is also planned.
Even among those currently certified, “some may go, there will be a movement,” predicts Anuchika Stanislaus. The digital public policy expert points out that “Twitter’s former directors are in the process of building their own social network” and expects a “departure” from the platform in favor of others “more respectful and transparent in choosing what we do Fortunately, there is still a little time to carry out the migration. “The deadline of one week that Elon Musk has given his teams for the new certification is far too short,” Anuchika Stanislaus reassures. And despite all the ultimatums, he has to pour water in the water for the new Twitter boss if he still wants employees and users at the end of the month.