Twitter Blue: Politicians will have to unsubscribe during election time

Billionaire Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter has not been without problems. Among the innovations in question is the arrival of Twitter Blue, the paid version of the social network. The subscription, represented by the famous blue tick, is initially designed to provide useful features without being necessary. For example, edit or cancel a tweet, write longer messages and see fewer ads.

But another advantage quickly emerges: Messages from Twitter Blue account are better highlighted and have more reach more than those posted by non-subscribers. Understand that they are published where we see them well and in more people. This difference raises eyebrows at the National Campaign Accounts and Political Finance Commission (CNCCFP), the independent body responsible for monitoring election campaign spending and financing of French political parties. After the run, the CNCCFP confirms it Using Twitter Blue is against election law.

Why is Twitter Blue not available before the election?

CNCCFP is based on article L. 52-1 of the election law. Secondly, it states that “the use of any commercial advertising process through the press or any audiovisual means for election propaganda purposes is prohibited”. Automatically promoting account tweets and reaching wider audiences falls within this framework for administrative authority. more precisely, Parties or candidates will not be able to use Twitter Blue for 6 months before the election.

The Commission has yet to disclose details on the concrete implementation of its decision (we are considering all candidates who have yet to subscribe to Twitter Blue). By the way, it is easy to imagine that it is. Another blow to Elon MuskTwitter has lost two-thirds of its value since its acquisition, and its recent direct competitor Threads is attracting more and more people.