Updated on:12/04/2025 04:22 PM 
Twitter's recent transformation of its identity verification system on April 20 has sent ripples throughout the cryptocurrency community, with numerous blockchain pioneers losing their distinctive blue checkmarks.
While mainstream media has extensively covered Twitter's policy shift affecting public figures, the cryptocurrency sector has experienced significant disruptions as well. The digital currency industry's most prominent voices are now adjusting to Twitter's new verification paradigm.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse represents one high-profile case, maintaining his blue checkmark as recently as April 15 only to find it absent by April 20. This change has implications for how crypto leaders establish their authenticity in the Twitter ecosystem.
Other blockchain pioneers who have seemingly parted ways with their blue verification badges include Tezos co-creator Kathleen Breitman and Shapeshift founder Erik Vorhees. These figures have built substantial followings within the cryptocurrency community.
FTX founder and former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried also joined the ranks of those losing their blue checkmark, despite having it as recently as April 18. Notably, Bankman-Fried has maintained limited Twitter activity due to his ongoing legal proceedings, potentially complicating his ability to respond to Twitter's evolving verification requirements.
Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO who now leads crypto-focused payment firm Block Inc., also saw his verification status disappear. Dorsey has remained inactive on the platform since January, raising questions about how Twitter's new policy affects dormant accounts of influential blockchain figures.
FOX Business cryptocurrency reporter Eleanor Terrett offered direct commentary on the policy change, stating: "I am not going to pay $8/month just to prove I am who I am." Terrett reflected on the era of verification marks, quipping: "it was a good run, blue check mark."
Historically, Twitter bestowed blue checkmarks upon notable and highly visible accounts as a method of authenticating identity and preventing impersonation within the digital landscape. This verification system held particular importance in the cryptocurrency space, where scams and impersonation of industry leaders remain persistent challenges.
Under Elon Musk's leadership, Twitter implemented substantial changes in late March, transitioning to a model where blue checkmarks became exclusive to paying subscribers. While this approach fundamentally alters the original purpose of verification marks, Twitter has introduced alternative identification features, including company logos for corporate executives and grey checkmarks for government officials.
The cryptocurrency community has demonstrated varying responses to these changes. Industry leaders like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, Kraken CEO Jesse Powell, and Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin have successfully maintained their blue verification status, signaling their continued commitment to Twitter's new verification framework.
As Twitter continues to refine its verification policies, many in the cryptocurrency sector anticipate that additional affected accounts may update their status to comply with the new requirements. The evolving relationship between social media platforms and blockchain industry figures remains a developing story with significant implications for digital currency communication and influence.
