Latest news from Twitter is the launch of verified profiles, after several lawsuits and a ton of ridicule being launched at the microblogging giant for not protecting it’s users and their identity rights. The news is making a big splash online today, and will likely continue into a week of heavy discussion on what this means for everyone using Twitter.
TechCrunch’s Take on Verified Twitter Accounts
But in response to the problem of impersonators of brands and famous people, Twitter is giving us a sneak peak of an experimental feature they call “verified accounts.” Twitter says it will start rolling out the beta of this feature this summer for a small set of public officials, public agencies, famous artists, athletes, and other celebs who run the risk of impersonation. Businesses will not be included in the initial beta testing of the verification seal. As you can see from the image, the account holder’s page will have a “verified account” official seal in its profile box.
You can read their full story: Facing Lawsuits and Complaints from Celebs Twitter Launches Verified Accounts
NextWeb’s Take on Verified Twitter Accounts
Part of me is slightly disappointed because there was a certain element of fun involved with distinguishing who was the real deal and who wasn’t. There were a number of amusing fake accounts like Christopher Walken’s for example that really created a stir. The fake accounts can of course still continue except everyone will have to acknowledgethe fact that the majority of them won’t be authentic – never did The Fake Steve Jobs any harm.
You can read their full story: No More Impersonations Twitter Launches Verified Accounts
Mashable’s Take on Verified Twitter Accounts
So what exactly will the Verified Accounts system entail? Well, according to the Twitter blog, there will be a special seal on any account that is verified by Twitter as being authentic. This seal, which you can see in the image above, will appear at the top right of profile pages. This is targeted toward public officials, public agencies, athletes, and other high-profile individuals.
You can read the full story: Twitter Launches Verified Accounts
Search Engine Land’s Take on Verified Twitter Accounts
Finally, Twitter’s making a move toward verified accounts — with the news coming out from the service in response to reports it had settled a lawsuit with the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa, over how someone apparently impersonated him on the service. Twitter denies any settlement.
You can read the full story: Twitter Offers Verified Accounts
My Take on Verified Twitter Accounts
I don’t see what all the hub-bub is about it. I think it’s a smart move for Twitter and will only add more value the Twitosphere by allowing users to have a seal that acknowledges the legitimacy of their profiles and in telling who else is “more legitimate” than others. I certainly think it will help in the fight against spammers and Twitter abusers who are simply using the service at the annoyance of others.
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I’m sure it’s not the end of the discussion, some will like it , some won’t. What it means to you social marketer and small business owner is to make sure, when it launches for you — you verify your account.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Maria 
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