Twitter launches a new payment verification system

Twitter has launched a subscription service that allows users to purchase verification for a monthly fee of $7.99 in a big change under the direction of its new owner, Elon Musk. The service is still not available in Brazil.

The system is designed to help users identify real and influential users of the platform, including government figures, sports stars, entertainment personalities, journalists, brands and organizations.

But in an update for Apple iOS devices on Saturday, the social media company said any user who “signs up now” to the premium Twitter Blue service will get a blue badge.

Available in the UK as well as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the update said the service will provide: “Power to people: Your account will get a blue check mark, just like the celebrities, companies and politicians you already follow.”

Other promised “soon” features include half the number of ads, the ability to post longer videos, and prioritizing content posted on the platform.

Musk appears to be aiming to diversify Twitter’s revenue streams and significantly reduce the company’s costs after completing its $44 billion acquisition of the platform last week.

The company began widespread job cuts around the world on Friday, with suggestions it could lay off up to half of its 7,500-plus employees.