Twitter tries to fix verification of people 'we in no way endorse'

Sure, being verified on social media isn't always as good as people think, but after a recent blowup, Twitter says it's addressing the "perception" of endorsement a blue checkmark confers. While the network has notably verified the accounts of self-proclaimed white supremacists and Nazis, it appears to be reversing that policy. One item on the new list of reasons an account can lose verification cites promoting hate against certain races/nationality or supporting groups that do.

In a series of tweets explaining the policy change, Twitter said "We are conducting an initial review of verified accounts and will remove verification from accounts whose behavior does not fall within these new guidelines." Today, an individual known as "Baked Alaska," who previously was verified, has been banned from the service, while Laura Loomer -- recently banned from both Uber and Lyft for anti-Muslim statements against drivers -- self-reported that she had lost her status on Twitter. Jason Kessler, the Charlottesville organizer whose verification sparked the backlash, is no longer verified, and neither is notable punchee Richard Spencer. Others who are now blue check-less include "@apurposefulwife" and Tommy Robinson.