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Big Tech moves to monetize basic security—and access

March 1, 2023

Since their inception, social media platforms have mostly been free to users, because creating a large user base attracts advertiser dollars. But now Facebook and Twitter are leading a shift to requiring fees for identity verification, customer support, and content visibility. As a result: 

• Journalists, celebrities, government officials, and anyone else particularly concerned about security on Twitter now has to pay $8 a month for two-factor authentication, a basic security feature.  
• Since Twitter has changed its “blue check” verification to a paid product, impersonations have increased. 
• Content posted by Facebook users who pay a $12 monthly Meta Verification fee will be given "increased visibility." 
• Meta Verification also promises direct access to customer support -- which some critics argue should be a service available to all users at no additional cost.

Read more of the Niemanlab story here.

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