Twitter has announced that it will discontinue SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) for non-Twitter Blue subscribers from next month. The most commonly used form of authentication to keep accounts safe from hacking will only be available to those willing to pay $8 per month for Twitter Blue, the company’s subscription service. While this move could theoretically ensure that Twitter can trust those using the service to be actual humans, it does not verify the identities of those signing up for Twitter Blue.
Twitter SMS 2FA
Social Networking Site Twitter is taking this step because phone-number-based 2FA has been used and mistreated by depraved actors. After March 20, 2023, accounts with text message 2FA still enabled will have it disabled. Users will have to use an authentication app or security key instead, which is less convenient than SMS-based 2FA. This approach may lead to more account hacks and issues with people losing access, which does not bode well for Twitter’s growth plans.
On the other hand, Twitter’s view may be that forcing more people to pay for Twitter Blue will make it more of a security element and help to weed out bots that won’t pay the monthly fee. But this approach seems short-sighted and could lead to more harm than good.
Twitter Blue Subscribers
Twitter’s largest percentage of users are based in the US, but it also has millions of users in India, Brazil, and Indonesia, which are considered developing economies. It remains to be seen if people in these regions can afford the extra cost, and Twitter Blue is only available in some regions.
In summary, Twitter’s decision to discontinue SMS-based 2FA for non-Twitter Blue subscribers could have unintended consequences. Users of the service will now have to consider alternative security options, and anyone who values their Twitter account will likely need to rethink their approach. While this move could bring in more revenue for Twitter, it is still being determined if it will help reduce the impact of spammers and scammers in the app.
Furthermore, this decision may lead to more frustration and confusion for users unfamiliar with other authentication options. While Twitter has suggested that users can use an authentication app or security key instead, not everyone may be comfortable using these methods or even have access.
Some users may also feel that this move is unfair, as it limits the ability to keep their accounts safe to those who can afford to pay for Twitter Blue. It could lead to a perception that Twitter is prioritizing revenue over user security, damaging its reputation in the long run.
Moreover, it is worth noting that SMS-based 2FA is still considered a reliable authentication method, and many other online services continue to offer it as an option. It remains to be seen if Twitter’s decision will inspire other platforms to follow suit and restrict access to SMS-based 2FA.
In conclusion, Twitter’s decision to discontinue SMS-based 2FA for non-Twitter Blue subscribers has raised concerns about its security and commitment to user safety. While the move could bring in more revenue, it also risks alienating users and limiting access to important security features. Twitter will need to closely monitor the impact of this decision and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary to ensure that its users’ accounts remain secure.
How To Subscribe For Twitter Blue
Twitter Blue is a subscription service offered by Twitter that provides additional features and perks to its subscribers. Some of the features of Twitter Blue include:
1: Undo Tweet:
This feature allows users to preview and edit their tweets before they are posted and allows them to undo a tweet for up to 30 seconds after it has been posted.
2: Bookmark Folders:
This feature allows users to categorize and organize their saved tweets into different folders, making it easier to find and reference later.
3: Reader Mode:
This feature provides users a more streamlined and distraction-free reading experience by removing ads, links, and other non-essential elements from articles and threads.
4: Custom App Icons:
This feature allows users to customize the Twitter app icon on their mobile device with various colors and designs.
To become a Twitter Blue subscriber, users must sign up for a monthly or annual subscription, which currently costs $8/month on the web and $11/month for those who sign up on iOS.
