Additional Coverage:
- Elon Musk’s X launches crackdown against misleading ‘parody’ accounts (the-independent.com)
X (formerly Twitter) is clamping down on parody accounts in an effort to combat impersonation and scams. While previously allowing parody accounts with clear labeling, a loophole frequently exploited by scammers mimicking celebrities to promote scams, the platform is now implementing stricter guidelines.
The issue of impersonation surged after Elon Musk’s acquisition and subsequent overhaul of the verification system. The shift from verified badges to paid checkmarks made it easier for users to impersonate others by simply changing their display name and photo.
Although X subsequently banned impersonation accounts, an exception for parody, seemingly aligned with Musk’s emphasis on free speech and comedy, was implemented. This exception, however, proved problematic.
Parody accounts were required to identify themselves as such, but often did so subtly, leading to confusion and continued impersonation, particularly of Musk himself, often for cryptocurrency scams.
Starting April 10th, parody accounts must add identifying keywords at the beginning of their display names and refrain from using the profile pictures of the accounts they parody. X states these changes aim to clarify the unaffiliated nature of parody accounts and reduce impersonation risks, urging affected accounts to update their profiles accordingly.
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- Elon Musk’s X launches crackdown against misleading ‘parody’ accounts (the-independent.com)