'Spoiler: it’s business as usual': X explains new meaning of blue checkmark

Prior to Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, which he subsequently redubbed X, verified accounts with checkmarks on the platform were authentic or deemed notable enough to have one. However, this was changed so that anyone who paid for it could get one. File photo: Yui Mok/PA

Social media giant X has said it has stopped referring to blue checkmark users as “verified” in the wake of a €120m fine dished out by Europe last year, but has claimed that “spoiler: it’s business as usual”.

After it was given the hefty fine by the European Commission and told to take action to bring itself into compliance with the law, a notice on the X website said users in Europe may have noticed it is now referring to blue checkmark users as “premium” users.