Twitter will “reduce” security for users who do not subscribe to its paid subscription

If we are to believe the notification that is circulating, Twitter will in a few weeks remove two-factor authentication by SMS… which will be reserved only for Twitter Blue subscribers.

Is Twitter really ready to do anything to push its users to subscribe to its paid offer (which does not really take off)? Even to cut in safety? Unfortunately, there is some truth in this, since the social network has been circulating a notification for a few days to warn its users of the removal of two-factor authentication by SMS, and this, by March 19, 2023. You guessed it, it will only be possible to keep this valuable security option on one condition.

Atmosphere: subscribe to Twitter Blue, otherwise…

Twitter is going to remove SMS two-factor authentication from users who take advantage of the bluebird’s free offer and let it be known with, say, authority. ” To avoid losing your access to Twitter, remove two-factor authentication via SMS before March 19, 2023 », warns the notification, which you may have received.

The message is clear. ” Only subscribers to Twitter Blue can use two-factor authentication via SMS “. This option is the most accessible for the general public to strengthen the security of their account and prevent it from falling into the hands of a malicious individual.

To hasten its users who would not wish to switch to the paid Twitter Blue option (8 euros per month or 84 euros per year by subscribing on a PC, 11 euros per month if you go through Android), the company specifies that ” a few minutes are enough to remove (the option) “. It directly threatens the user with the loss of access to his account if he does not proceed with the operation before March 19, in just one month.

Twitter dares everything to push its users to subscribe to its paid offer

Today, Twitter offers three methods for its users to verify a connection and authenticate it: an authenticator application (such as Google Authenticator, 1Password, Authy, Duo Mobile, etc.), a security key ( Bluetooth, NFC or via the USB port of your computer) and the famous SMS, a preferred option for many subscribers. The latter is easy to access, insofar as it allows you to receive a simple SMS containing an authentication code to be entered when you connect to Twitter.

This method questions Twitter’s strategy of pushing its users to Twitter Blue at all costs. If the drastic limitation of the number of tweets noted a few days ago on the application was only a test, the removal of two-factor authentication by SMS for “free” users is, it, well a reality. .

Twitter does not want to make Blue a failure and multiplies the “exclusivities” linked to this paid offer: the editing of tweets up to five times within 30 minutes of its publication; downloading videos in 1080p definition up to 60 minutes; 50% fewer advertisements in its newsfeed… And soon, two-factor authentication by SMS. Does security really have to be about money? Too much to tempt fate, Twitter could get lost… and lose users.