"Controversy Erupts as X Restores Free Blue Checks for Influential Users"

Elon Musk's social network, X (formerly known as Twitter), has started granting blue ticks to its most-followed users for free, regardless of whether they want them or not. This move comes after Musk had previously tied the blue tick to the paid-for subscription service, causing dismay among users who had their verification removed and then reinstated without their consent. The blue tick, once a symbol of prominence and identity verification, has now become a source of controversy and frustration for many users on the platform.