Twitter has finally opened up the account verification process for the public. It means anyone can now apply to get his Twitter account verified like it was possible four years ago. The company decided to stop accepting public applications in 2017 after it found itself in trouble for verifying a white supremacist's account. It was found to be unsure about what exactly having a Twitter Blue tick mark next to one's profile meant but it seems like it has got that sorted now.

For starters, Twitter has revamped its guidelines and criteria for selecting which accounts should get verified. It is now focusing on accounts that are "authentic, notable, and active". These accounts should also fall under one of the six categories listed below but more categories will be added by the end of the year.

• Government
• Companies, brands, and organizations
• News organization and journalists
• Entertainment
• Sports and gaming
• Activists, organizers, and other influential individuals

Each applicant also needs to ensure that they have a complete Twitter profile i.e. profile name and image along with a verified email address or mobile number. It needs to be an active account where you should have logged into it in the past six months. And yes, you should not have received a 12-hour or 7-day lockout for violating Twitter rules in the past 12 months.

Twitter says all users will start seeing the new verification application option within their Account settings in the coming weeks. It will be accessible through the website as well as smartphone apps. The process will require them to choose a relevant account category and provide an ID for identity verification. If your application gets approved, the coveted Blue tick mark will appear next to your profile automatically. If it does not, then you will be able to apply again after a period of 30 days. Twitter says all verification applications will be checked by humans.