Twitter announced that verified accounts tweeting COVID-19 updates would be prioritized over non-verified accounts.
In this time of crisis, Twitter is revisiting its verification process to prioritize COVID-19 updates from verified accounts. In a PSA over the weekend, Twitter Support wrote:
“PSA about what we’re doing to Verify Twitter accounts that are providing credible updates around #COVID19: we are working with global public health authorities to identify experts and have already Verified hundreds of accounts, but there’s more to do and we could use your help.”
But not just any verified account will be prioritized. Twitter is prioritizing those accounts that have an email address that is associated with an authoritative organization or institution’s email account.
To #COVID19 experts: we are prioritizing Verification for Twitter accounts that have an email address associated with an authoritative organization or institution. Here’s how to update the email address associated with your account:https://t.co/H4LkQYeGB8
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) March 21, 2020
Those users who have an email from an authoritative organization or institution will be prioritized for verification.
For experts in the field that still aren’t verified, Twitter suggests that those experts first update the email address on the account – then they also need to add a reference to their institution within their Twitter bio.
Please also ensure your Twitter bio references (and links to) the institution you are associated with, and that the page you link to includes a reference back to your Twitter account. This helps us more quickly confirm that you are who you say you are.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) March 21, 2020
It’s also worth noting that they will need to link to an official website in their Twitter bio that includes a reference to their Twitter account.
Finally, Twitter is also trying various ways to get the public to suggest experts that don’t come forward. For the time being, the company is getting suggestions from public health authorities and partners only.
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