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Twitter has stopped its verification process after the company discovered that it has flaws. The app announced that it would investigate a series of fake accounts accidentally verified by the system.

Twitter to Stop Verifying Accounts

According to Twitter, the company was forced to pause on rolling out access to apply for account verification because they need to improve their application and review process.

For users who are waiting to get their blue checkmarks, they may have to wait a while. Twitter has not stated when the verification process will restart.

In 2017, Twitter suspended the verification program after accounts of white nationalists received blue check marks on their bio. Now, Twitter is experiencing the same problem.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Twitter Fast Tracks Profile Verification to Help Identify Authoritative Voices on COVID-19 Outbreak

Twitter had made several changes to its verification process to make it simpler and clearer. The program was relaunched in May, and now the company has hit the breaks on it again.

Four years ago, Twitter cited an overload of verification requests to process as one of the reasons for pausing the program, according to 9to5Mac.

This time, the company said they want to focus on the feedback they got from users and the experience of those involved in the process.

Cormac McCarthy's Fake Account

The Verge reported about Twitter's flawed verification process. In 2012, the app verified an account allegedly belonging to author Cormac McCarthy.

The problem is the account was not his. It was created by an unpublished novelist who pretended to be him.

This year, the app verified a second McCarthy fake account. Although the account has now been un-verified, the public is now doubting the accuracy of the app's system.

The fake account has been tweeted since 2018, and it was verified after a couple of its tweets went viral, getting thousands of retweets and likes.

A lot of users were skeptical about the authenticity of the account, considering that McCarthy is already 88 years old and may not be on social media.

How to Get Verified on Twitter

Before Twitter halted its process, it was fairly easy to get verified on the app. You will need to create a profile by adding your name, bio, cover photo, and profile picture. You can also add a website if you have one, according to Business Insider.

Once you're done, click on "More" on the left side of the page and select "Settings and Privacy." Click on "Account Information" and re-enter your password.

On the information page, click "Request Verification" under the tab "Verified." A pop-up will appear, and it will explain what the verification process means. Click on "Start Request."

You can choose from six categories: companies, entertainment, government, news organizations, sports and gaming, and activists. After you've selected one, click "Next."

You will be asked to provide proof based on the category that you chose. You will also be asked to submit a picture of your government-issued ID, your email address, and a link to your website.

Once you've reviewed everything, you can click on "Submit." It normally takes a week or two before Twitter responds to a verification request. You will be sent an email if you're verified, and you will see a blue checkmark on your profile.

Related Article: 6 Twitter Features That You May Soon Have to Pay For

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Written by Sophie Webster

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