Twitter announced on Friday that only paid subscribers will be able to use text messages as a two-factor authentication method to secure their accounts.
“Only Twitter Blue subscribers will be able to use text messages as their two-factor authentication method after March 20,” the company tweeted.
Two-factor authentication, which is intended to increase account security, necessitates the use of a second authentication method in addition to a password. Twitter supports two-factor authentication via text message, authentication app, and security key.
The company believes phone-number-based 2FA is being abused by “bad actors,” according to a blog post published on Wednesday and linked to in the company’s tweet.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, responded with “Yup” to a user tweet stating that the company was changing policy “because Telcos Used Bot Accounts to Pump 2FA SMS,” and that the company was losing $60 million per year “on scam SMS.”
Only Twitter Blue subscribers will be able to use text messages as a two-factor authentication method beginning March 20, 2023. For 2FA, other accounts can use an authentication app or a security key. More information can be found here: https://t.co/wnT9Vuwh5n
February 18, 2023 — Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport)
The blue check mark, which was previously reserved for verified accounts of politicians, celebrities, journalists, and other public figures, is now available to anyone willing to pay.
Twitter announced last month that the Twitter Blue subscription for Android would be $11 per month, the same as for iOS subscribers.
»Twitter announces new strategy to secure users account«