Elon Musk's X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has caused confusion once again as it began restoring complimentary blue checks for some users. This unexpected shift comes after months of changes to the verification system on the platform. Initially, Twitter's blue checks were reserved for celebrities, politicians, and other influential accounts. However, after Musk purchased the platform for $44 billion in October 2022, the criteria for receiving a blue check changed.

Last year, X started issuing verification checks only to those who paid the starting price of $8 per month for it, leading to complaints and confusion. Many fake accounts also emerged, pretending to be someone else with a blue check. However, late Wednesday night and early Thursday, users began reporting that the blue checks were returning to their accounts, even if they were not paying for premium services on X.

Musk announced that all X accounts with more than 2,500 verified subscriber followers would get Premium features, including a checkmark, for free. Reactions to this new policy were mixed, with some users excited about the verification while others were frustrated. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown expressed her confusion, stating that she would never pay for the blue check.

The blue check on X has become a symbol of support for the platform's new ownership and subscription model. Some users even shared instructions on how to remove the blue check through settings changes. X did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In addition to the blue check controversy, X has faced backlash from users and advertisers over concerns about content moderation, misinformation, and hate speech on the platform. Some researchers have noted an increase in hate speech under Musk's ownership. Big-name brands like IBM and NBCUniversal have stopped advertising on X after their ads appeared alongside material praising Nazis. Musk responded with a profanity-laden rant, accusing the companies of "blackmail."

Furthermore, X has attempted to sue organizations that have documented hate speech and racism on the platform, including Media Matters and the Center for Countering Digital Hate. A federal judge recently dismissed a suit against the center. The platform is facing challenges as it tries to regain ad dollars, its main source of revenue.