In a move to reduce cost of running business, Twitter is set to charge users, especially non-subscribers for text-message two-factor authentication (2FA), starting towards end of the first quarter of the year.
Text-message authentication allows users to use other means to identify ownership of an account when there is a suspicious attempt on the said account.
As per BBC report, by double-checking the identity of the person logging in, 2FA lets users to add an extra layer of security to their online accounts, beyond passwords.
Emphatically, common methods include texting users a code or using an authenticator app.
But on Saturday, the Twitter Support account tweeted only Twitter Blue subscribers would be able to use text-message authentication from 20 March.
Effective March 20, 2023, only Twitter Blue subscribers will be able to use text messages as their two-factor authentication method. Other accounts can use an authentication app or security key for 2FA. Learn more here:https://t.co/wnT9Vuwh5n
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) February 18, 2023
Some text-message 2FA users also received an in-app alert telling them to remove the method before the deadline to avoid losing access to their account.
“Non-Twitter Blue subscribers that are already enrolled will have 30 days to disable this method and enroll in another.
After 20 March 2023, we will no longer permit non-Twitter Blue subscribers to use text messages as a 2FA method.” said the company on its blog.
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Elon Musk, Twitter owner and chief executive tweeted its authenticator app, which would remain free, was more secure.
