The blue verified badge that appears next to the name on the Twitter user’s profile represents that the account is authentic. Usually, these accounts are of someone of public interest.

Twitter maintains that the verified badge is always of the same colour and is placed in the same location — without any exceptions.

Accounts that don’t have a badge next to their name but have it displayed elsewhere on the profile — like profile/header photos or bio — are not verified accounts.

The verified badge can only be applied by Twitter and any accounts found to be displaying the badge in any of the places mentioned above will be subject to permanent account suspension.

Also read: How secure are your photos on social media? And how to protect them

How to verify a Twitter account?

Currently, Twitter has put verifying accounts on hold as they’re working on a new authentication and verification program. In the meantime, they’re not accepting any submissions for verification and have also put forward new guidelines for the verification program.

If you strongly feel that your Twitter account needs to be verified at the earliest, you can get in touch with Twitter at @verified.

If you’re thinking of getting your Twitter account verified then go through the entire article to ascertain that you meet the requirements to get your account verified.

Also read: How to unlock a Twitter account? Everything about Limited account

Which Twitter accounts get verified?

Twitter account is verified when the company feels that an account is of public interest. Typically, these accounts include — but are not limited to — the following categories of users:

• Music
• Acting
• Fashion
• Government
• Politics
• Religion
• Journalism
• Media
• Sports
• Business

Twitter has clearly stated on its help page that ‘a verified badge does not imply an endorsement’.

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How can you lose Twitter verified status?

Just as Twitter gives you a verified blue badge, it reserves rights to take it away too if you violate their community guidelines anytime. The reasons for removal include:

• Misleading people on Twitter by changing display name or bio.
• Inciting hate and violence against anyone based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability or disease.
• Supporting an individual or organisation which are promoting any of those above.
• Harassing other users on Twitter.
• Directly or indirectly threatening or promoting any physical violence against any person or a group of people based on the grounds mentioned above.
• Promoting terrorism.
• Sharing violent, gruesome, shocking or disturbing imagery.
• Showing or promoting self-harm or suicide.

Other than that, Twitter will remove an account’s verification if they violate Twitter Rules. Once an account loses verification, they are not eligible to have the badge restored.

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Security precautions for verified accounts

Since verified accounts command relatively more influence on the social media network, they become soft targets for hacking or phishing attacks. While every user should follow these security points, verified accounts particularly should.

• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for logging into your account. This ensures a second security check apart from your password.
• Recently verified accounts are auto-enrolled to require personal information, such as phone number and email address, to reset your password. It’s recommended that you don’t change these settings.
• Always be cautious of the third-party apps that you allow access to your account. Check back connected apps frequently and revoke access to any app that you don’t use.
• Secure the email address associated with your account, preferably with an app-based 2FA.

Also read: How to keep your Instagram account safe and retrieve it if it has been hacked.

How to verify a Periscope account?

If your Periscope account is linked to your verified Twitter account, then it will automatically be verified. Here is how to connect your verified Twitter account to a Periscope account:

• Open the Periscope mobile app
• Go to your Profile
• Tap Logout
• Tap Login on with Twitter and select the verified account

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