Elon Musk is planning massive layoffs among Twitter’s 7,500 employees and has another plan to increase profits: introducing a monthly subscription of $20 for those who want that coveted blue checkmark to verify their identity on the network, sources told The Verge.

Twitter now has a subscription-based service called Twitter Blue for $4.99. US per month, and paid users have more customization options. Twitter ID verification is currently free, a blue checkmark next to a profile name that shows that the person has been verified and that the person is who they say they are, so you’re not dealing with a fake profile.

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The identity verification procedure is not easy, but it is currently free.

Well, given that Twitter has posted losses over the last eight fiscal years, Musk is looking for revenue streams, and one of those will be through a Twitter Blue subscription that could cost $19.99 a month for those who want blue identity. check mark.

Sources say the new management has engaged a team of employees by Nov. 7 to develop this subscription option that will make receiving verification free. Sources say Elon Musk has threatened to fire employees if they don’t meet the deadline.

Previously, Elon Musk also spoke about the need to change the entire identity verification process to combat the growing number of fake accounts. According to the plan, those who have been vetted will also be re-vetted and will be forced to pay for this new subscription if they don’t want to lose their coveted tick, the sources said. Under the plan, those already confirmed will join the new membership no later than 90 days after the new plans go into effect.

It remains to be seen whether the plan will be implemented in practice, considering that $20 a month is not a small amount.

Sources: The Verge, IGN.com

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