Billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who recently acquired Twitter, shocked people on the microblogging site after announcing that he would be charging a fee for people with a verified blue tick. Despite users’ protests against the move, Musk has sent out a firm response.

Elon Musk finally took over Twitter completely after months of dramatic developments a couple of days ago. His first major change in the social media platform is introducing a fee of $8 (approx Rs 662) per month for the verified badge (blue tick) next to a handle. Claiming that the new plan provides several features to verified users, Elon Musk said, “Twitter’s current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark is bullshit.”

“You will also get: Priority in replies, mentions and search, which is essential to defeat spam/scam. Ability to post long video and audio. Half as many ads. And paywall bypass for publishers willing to work with us,” the Tesla CEO further said.

He added that the fee will be adjusted by country proportionate to purchasing power parity. After facing backlash from users over the move, Elon Musk tweeted this morning, “To all complainers, please continue complaining, but it will cost $8.” It is yet to be known when and how the plan will be implemented by the new Twitter chief.

To all complainers, please continue complaining, but it will cost $8

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2022