Twitter locking Account Verification behind a paywall

Twitter Blue will now demand Verified Account status as the price of the optional monthly membership service quadruples to $20 USD per month. One of the first significant adjustments Elon Musk will make after purchasing Twitter on October 28, 2022 is a thorough redesign of Twitter Blue. The Verge reports that Musk wants to raise the cost of Twitter Blue to $19.99 USD a month.

Twitter Blue will now demand Verified Account status as the price of the optional monthly membership service quadruples to $20 USD per month.
One of the first significant adjustments Elon Musk will make after purchasing Twitter on October 28, 2022, is a thorough redesign of Twitter Blue.
The Verge reports that Musk wants to raise the cost of Twitter Blue to $19.99 USD a month.

Twitter Blue will now demand Verified Account status as the price of the optional monthly membership service quadruples to $20 USD per month.
One of the first significant adjustments Elon Musk will make after purchasing Twitter on October 28, 2022, is a thorough redesign of Twitter Blue.
The Verge reports that Musk wants to raise the cost of Twitter Blue to $19.99 USD a month.

According to reports, Musk predicted that under his leadership, subscriptions will account for 50% of Twitter’s earnings. Musk has indicated time and time again that he wants to turn Twitter into a haven for free expression and debate, including for viewpoints that not everyone agrees with.
Being advertiser-friendly and allowing free expression are two very different things.
Given everything, it appears like Musk is using the new Twitter Blue as part of a plan to safeguard revenue.