To combat cryptocurrency scammers dropping deceptive links in Musk’s replies
Twitter has implemented a new method for combating cryptocurrency scammers: it now automatically locks unverified accounts that change their display name to Elon Musk. If you have a non-verified account that is not associated with a phone number, changing your display name to that of the SpaceX and Tesla CEO will result in an immediate lock out. Twitter will then ask you to pass a CAPTCHA test, as well as provide a phone number, to regain access.
“As part of our continuing efforts to combat spam and malicious activity on our service, we’re testing new measures to challenge accounts that use terms commonly associated with spam campaigns. We are continually refining these detections based on changes in spammy activity,” a Twitter spokesperson said in a statement given to The Verge. The company declined to comment on whether the measure has been put in place for any other public figure’s Twitter account.
- Elon Musk is revolutionizing transportation both on earth and in space.
- Tesla Motors, his auto manufacturer, is bringing fully-electric vehicles to the mass market. Its Model 3 car retails for a starting price of $35,000.
- SpaceX, Musk’s rocket company, is now valued at more than $20 billion.
- He grew up in South Africa, then immigrated to Canada at age 17. He landed in the US as a transfer student at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Musk was a cofounder of Paypal; he scored a huge payday when the business was acquired by eBay for $1.4 billion in 2002.
The Verge
