The removal of free verification badges on X has led to a surge in impersonator accounts posting false information about public services and officials.
Residents across Kent could find themselves caught out by fake social media accounts impersonating local councils or health services, following a dramatic rise in online impersonation since X removed free verification badges in 2023.
The Problem Spreads Beyond Kent
The issue hit headlines when fake accounts impersonating Chicago’s mayor posted fabricated claims, including a false announcement about shutting down Lake Shore Drive from 1 May. City officials quickly debunked the claims and worked with X to suspend the imposter accounts.
But Chicago isn’t alone. Similar fake accounts have appeared across the UK, with particular concerns around conflict reporting and local government services. Some fake journalist accounts covering the Ukraine war have been traced back to US-based IP addresses, including Little Rock, Arkansas, raising questions about coordinated misinformation campaigns.
Why Verification Matters
X’s decision to remove legacy blue checkmarks from non-paying users has fundamentally changed how we verify authentic accounts online. Over 400,000 verified accounts lost their blue checkmarks in the first week of the change alone.
The numbers tell a stark story. Impersonation reports to X increased by 30% in 2023 following the verification overhaul. Meanwhile, UK social media scam losses reached £1.2 billion last year, with fake accounts playing a significant role.
Kent Police have already advised residents to check official websites like kent.gov.uk/socialmedia to verify council accounts amid the rising number of scams. The force warns that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approaches.
Different Views on the Changes
X argues that subscription-based verification helps fund platform improvements and reduces bot activity by prioritising paying users. The company maintains that the new system creates better security overall.
However, government officials and watchdog groups paint a different picture. The UK Home Office has urged users to report impersonators through in-app tools, while critics argue that fee-based verification systems disproportionately harm non-profit organisations and public officials who can’t justify the subscription costs.
The UK Electoral Commission has specifically warned about increased disinformation risks on social platforms ahead of elections, citing weakened verification as a key concern.
Source: @statnews
Key Takeaways
- Over 400,000 verified accounts lost blue checkmarks when X removed free verification in 2023
- Impersonation reports increased 30% following the platform changes, with fake government accounts a particular concern
- Officials recommend checking official websites to verify social media accounts before trusting information
What This Means for Kent Residents
Kent households should exercise extra caution when viewing social media posts claiming to be from local councils, NHS Kent and Medway, or other official bodies. Always cross-reference important information like road closures, health alerts, or service changes with official websites such as kent.gov.uk before acting on social media posts. If you encounter suspected fake accounts impersonating Kent services, report them immediately through the platform’s reporting tools and verify any urgent-seeming information by calling the relevant organisation directly.