Twitter to verify accounts to prevent fake tweets

Twitter plans to introduce "verified accounts" to protect users from fake tweets, according to the microblogging service's co-founder Biz Stone.

"We do recognise an opportunity to improve Twitter user experience and clear up confusion beyond simply removing impersonation accounts once alerted," Stone wrote in a blog posting.

Download this free guide

How to find the perfect mobility strategy for your business

We explore enterprise mobility management, looking in-depth at some of the key trends and developments in the world of enterprise mobility, as well as keeping a watchful eye on cybersecurity.

Start Download

• Corporate E-mail Address:

  You forgot to provide an Email Address.

  This email address doesn’t appear to be valid.

  This email address is already registered. Please login.

  You have exceeded the maximum character limit.

  Please provide a Corporate E-mail Address.

• • I agree to TechTarget’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy.

  Please check the box if you want to proceed.

• • I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time.

  Please check the box if you want to proceed.

By submitting my Email address I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Declaration of Consent.

The announcement comes after St Louis Cardinals baseball team manager Tony La Russa filed a lawsuit against Twitter over fake tweets made in his name.

Stone said the verified accounts will feature a special seal and will be introduced with a beta preview in the coming months for a select set of people.

These people will include public officials, public agencies, famous artists, athletes, and other well known individuals at risk of impersonation.

"This doesn't mean accounts without a verification seal are fake -the vast majority of Twitter accounts are not impersonators," said Stone.

Another way to determine authenticity is to check the official website of the person for a link back to their Twitter account, he said.