Musk causing Twitter frenzy over plans to charge $20 monthly for verification

Now that Elon Musk has completed his $44 billion takeover of Twitter, the new “Chief Twit” is wasting no time switching up the platform. The Verge reported that Musk is looking to change Twitter Blue, the company’s optional, $4.99-per-month subscription that unlocks additional features, into a more expensive subscription that also verifies users.

It could soon cost $20 per month and would be a requirement to receive a verified blue check mark. This verified symbol is currently free and often seen next to the Twitter handles of journalists, politicians and celebrities.

Under the current plan, verified users would have 90 days to subscribe or lose their blue checkmark. Employees working on the project were told on Sunday that they need to meet a deadline of Nov. 7 to launch the feature or they will be fired, as reported by the Verge.

Meanwhile, Musk is actively laying off significant portions of Twitter’s workforce and grappling with the reality of free speech on the platform.

The space billionaire once branded himself a “free speech absolutist.” However users are testing the limits now that he owns one of the largest platforms ever.

The Washington Post reported that hateful and bigoted posts spiked on Twitter shortly after the takeover. But Musk said the platform is not about to become a free-for-all forum. He said he’s in the process of forming a content moderation council with diverse viewpoints.

In a tweet, Musk said, “No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes.”