"Controversy Erupts as Blue Check Marks Return to Influential X Accounts"

After a year of absence, blue check marks have reappeared on some large and influential accounts on X, following Elon Musk's changes to the platform. Musk announced that accounts with more than 2,500 verified subscriber followers would receive X Premium features for free, including the return of the blue check mark. However, the blue check mark has become associated with paying for a subscription and has been a target of mockery. Some recipients are choosing to hide the check mark, and many previously verified accounts with smaller followings have not been restored to their former status. Additionally, Musk announced a "purge of bots & trolls" and Meta's Threads is attracting disgruntled X users.