The new Twitter chief Elon Musk has warned users on the microblogging sites of permanent suspension of accounts if they are found in impersonation without clearly specifying that they are parody accounts. In a tweet, Musk said that earlier a warning was issued before suspending the account but the same is not going to be the case after rolling out widespread verification.
“Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying “parody” will be permanently suspended,” he tweeted.
“Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue,” Musk added.
“Any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark,” he said.
Musk’s warning came after several Twitter accounts were suspended or placed behind a warning sign on Sunday who changed their names to Elon Musk or approximation of Elon Musk including those of American comedian Kathy Griffin, Australian satirical website the Chaser.
Appearing to defend his sweeping bans, Musk tweeted that he was still committed to free speech, and would continue to allow the account that flags his movements to remain online.
Musk had recently announced rolling out the paid feature of the $7.99 verification service. Twitter's new iOS version release on Saturday included the initial launch of the new Twitter Blue subscription.
Now, a report in the New York Times has stated that the feature will be rolled out after Tuesday’s midterm election in the United States.