Twitter has announced its plans to ban users from the use of text messages as a two-factor authentication (2FA) method to secure their accounts from March 20 2023. The social media platform made the announcement in a press release recently, stating that the service will now be made available only to Twitter Blue Subscribers.
The company said the change is the result of “bad actors” abusing the phone number and two-factor authentication system.
Twitter stated clearly that non-Blue accounts with text message 2FA enabled “will have it disabled”, and users will not be able to enrol in the text message/SMS method of 2FA unless they are Blue subscribers.
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Twitter’s Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts from being hacked.
2FA requires users to verify their accounts with a security code or key — in addition to their normal password — in order to ensure login is authentic by using another piece of information before gaining access to their accounts.
The company will now require users to pay for a Twitter Blue subscription to get sign-in codes via text.
From March 20, users can secure their accounts with text-based two-factor authentication if they pay for a Twitter Blue subscription.
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, requires users to log in with a username and password and then an additional “factor” such as a numeric code.
Other methods of authentication
Before now, Twitter offers three methods of 2FA, including text message, authentication app and security key. It has only excluded text messaging authentication for general users.
The other two methods, however, will remain free and available options for non-Twitter Blue members who still want to employ an extra security measure for their accounts, according to the company. The company “encourages” non-Blue users to “consider using authentication app and security key methods in place of the text message alternative.
“These methods require you to have physical possession of the authentication method and are a great way to ensure your account is secure,” the release states.
Blue subscription service
According to Twitter, an active Twitter Blue subscription adds a blue checkmark to your account and offers early access to select new features before they’re available to everyone.
In addition to the blue checkmark, Twitter Blue features offer subscribers a way to enhance and customize their Twitter experience with powerful controls designed to help personalize Twitter.
Ripples Nigeria had earlier reported that Blue subscription service with verification costs $8 for Android users and $11 for iPhone owners on a monthly bases.
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Other features of the Blue subscription service
Aside 2FA, Twitter Blue includes a number of features to improve user experience on Twitter, including the Edit Tweet function which allows a user to make changes to published Tweets, make updates, tag someone, or reorder attached media.
Bookmark Folders is another feature that lets Twitter Blue subscribers organize Bookmarked Tweets into folders for faster discovery later.
Also, with Custom App icons, users can change how your Twitter App icon displays on their phones, choosing from several colorful options.
The Longer Tweets feature allows Blue subscribers to Tweet up to 4,000 characters. They can also compose longer Tweets in a Quote Tweet or reply.
Prioritized rankings in conversations are another feature for blue subscribers. This feature will prioritize their replies to Tweets during interactions.
Also, with the Longer video upload feature, Twitter Blue subscribers can upload videos up to ~60 minutes long up to 2GB file size (1080p) (web only), unlike regular users.
Other features of the blue subscription includes: colourful theme options, custom navigation feature, ‘undo tweet’ feature among others.