Twitter removing blue badge from some verified accounts

Social media platform Twitter has removed the blue tick from the personal handle of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat. Earlier, the tick has been removed from the personal account of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, it was informed that this step has been taken after 6 months of account being unactive.

Twitter Rules

According to Twitter, "The blue verified badge on Twitter lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic. To receive the blue badge, your account must be authentic, notable, and active. In accordance with the Twitter Terms of Service, Twitter may remove the blue verified badge and verified status of a Twitter account at any time and without notice. We may also remove the blue badge from accounts that are found to be in severe or repeated violation of the Twitter Rules."

A source in Twitter said Naidu’s account may have been unverified through an algorithm as he hasn’t tweeted in almost a year. The three RSS leaders who were recently unverified apparently haven’t tweeted ever, the source added. “The personal account of Venkaiah Naidu was inactive for six months and the blue badge has gone," said an official from Vice President. 

However, Twitter has now restored the blue tick of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’s account. It is believed that after the strong displeasure of the central government, Twitter has taken its step back. The company has taken this step amid the ongoing dispute between Twitter and the government over the new IT rules.