Twitter launching new verification process for getting blue tick

(AFP via Getty Images)

Twitter is launching a new verification process next month, once again giving users the chance to get a blue tick.

The company will also create new kinds of accounts, including those specifically for automated accounts or bots, and for people who have died.

When the new rules come into effect, accounts that are not used or have not been completed will lose their blue tick. Those that are inactive because their owner has died will keep their verification and be moved to be a "memorialised" account.

Those at risk of losing the verified badge will receive an email and an in-app notification informing them to make the necessary changes before January 20 to avoid verification removal.

And those who severely or repeatedly violate Twitter's wider rules also risk being stripped of the blue tick.

"We will continue to evaluate such accounts on a case-by-case basis, and will make improvements in 2021 on the relationship between enforcement of our rules and verification," the social network said.

As part of the revamped criteria, people will no longer be required to include a profile bio or header image in a bid to make the process less restrictive.

"The process will include asking applicants to select a category for their verified status and confirming their identity via links and other supporting materials," Twitter said.

"We plan to use both automated and human review processes to ensure that we are reviewing applications thoughtfully and in a timely manner.

"We also plan to give people the option to share demographic information after completing the new verification application so that we can better measure and improve the equity of our verification process."

Additional reporting by Press Association