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Culture Film News Elon Musk defends new Twitter plan against William Shatner criticism: ‘It’s about treating everyone equally’ ‘What’s this about blue checks going away unless we pay Twitter?’ asked ‘Star Trek’ actor
Elon Musk: Twitter will be as inclusive as possible Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Read more Elon Musk has addressed William Shatner ’s condemnation of Twitter ’s new subscription program, which will charge users a premium in order to maintain their verified status.
Since Musk’s multi-billion-dollar acquisition of the social media platform in late 2022, he has controversially rolled out Twitter Blue, a plan that allows anybody to obtain a blue check mark for a monthly or yearly subscription .
Originally, a blue checkmark was given to notable accounts, typically high-profile individuals, celebrities, institutions, politicians and members of the media.
However, along with his new plan, he’s warned that legacy accounts – those who received a blue tick prior to his Twitter takeover – are at risk of losing their status if they don’t subscribe to Blue.
“It’s more about treating everyone equally. There shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities in my opinion,” the Tesla CEO said in defence of the program, following criticism from Star Trek star Shatner.
“Hey @elonmusk, what’s this about blue checks going away unless we pay Twitter?” the 92-year-old Canadian actor tweeted on Saturday (25 March).
“I’ve been here for 15 years giving my [time] & witty thoughts all for bupkis. Now you’re telling me that I have to pay for something you gave me for free? What is this-the Colombia Records & Tape Club?”
Musk’s crackdown is expected to take effect on 1 April. This comes months after the initial plan rollout received a wave of parody accounts posing as brands, embarrassing Musk and his newly purchased platform. It was relaunched in December 2022.
In the latest update, the platform said it will “begin winding down our legacy verified programme”.
Those who wish to keep their checkmark will have to subscribe to Blue , which includes an £8 monthly fee for those based in the UK and $8 per month for those in the US, the site said.
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