As national Republicans continue to abandon Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore in the wake of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, the Republican has taken to Twitter to defend himself.
But ordinary Twitter users might have difficulty sussing out the real Roy Moore since the platform has consistently declined to verify his personal account on the social media platform and bless his profile with the coveted blue check mark.
The account of Moore’s Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, is verified.
Small but telling programming note. Twitter has steadfastly refused to verify Roy Moore — but not his Democratic opponent Doug Jones pic.twitter.com/VMyVdOqqf3
— Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) November 14, 2017
Twitter declined to comment on Moore’s specific account.
A person familiar with the matter noted that even if Moore did submit a verification request, it would likely be withheld, as the company suspended the process after public outcry over the verification of white nationalist and Charlottesville, Virginia, rally organizer Jason Kessler.
Still, Moore joined the platform back in April and clinched the GOP nomination for Senate in September, more than a month before Twitter put the verification process on hold.
Verification was meant to authenticate identity & voice but it is interpreted as an endorsement or an indicator of importance. We recognize that we have created this confusion and need to resolve it. We have paused all general verifications while we work and will report back soon
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) November 9, 2017
The platform often works with public figures, including those in government and politics, to help them use the platform effectively, according to a Twitter insider.
But for some reason, it seems that the company did the engagement efforts did not extend to Moore.
A spokesperson for the Moore campaign did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
The clear disparity in Twitter street cred between the candidates could add fuel to longstanding accusations that the company has politicized the verification process by using the check as a reward (or punishment).
The company has long refused to verify WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and withdrew the check from right-wing provocateur and former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos as punishment for his conduct on the platform — before ultimately banning him outright.
We've been trying to verify this account since early October.
— Defend Assange Campaign (@DefendAssange) March 14, 2017