X gave, now X takes. The platform is removing the ability for premium users to hide blue checkmarks, according to a notification received by multiple users on Thursday. Last summer, X made showing a blue check optional, and it’s unclear exactly why or when the platform plans to remove the feature.
The blue check, once a status symbol, lost some of its luster after X switched to a paid verification system owned by Elon Musk. The blue check then becomes the account holder’s indicator to pay for the premium subscription. The feature has also been abused by scammers and online impersonators, with some blue checks being targeted for online harassment or mass blocking. X eventually rolled out blue checks to accounts with more than 1 million followers, which covers most living celebrities (and some deceased ones) as well as public figures.
Just last week, the platform issued free blue checks to accounts with large numbers of verified followers — regardless of whether the owner wants it or not.This move (despite announced earlier Designed by owner Elon Musk) surprised some of these users. Many new Premium and Premium Plus users later chose to hide their blue checks to avoid the recent stigma. It now appears that these users have no choice in the matter.