Technology

There was a time when a digital verification badge was a mark of professional standing – a useful tool for journalists and public figures to signal their authenticity in a sea of noise. I remember that era because I had Twitter’s free blue tick and later, on Instagram, but this has now been monetised.

Today, verification is no longer about who you are, but what you’re willing to surrender: either R250, paid monthly, or a scan of your government-issued ID. Discord has now joined the ranks of platforms demanding mandatory age and identity verification.