Operation Bluebird has launched a new social networking platform named “Twitter.now,” spearheaded by a team that includes former Twitter trademark counsel Stephen Coates. The platform aims to create a space centered on trust, transparency, and user choice.
Last year, X Corp. filed a lawsuit against Operation Bluebird, seeking an injunction to prevent the launch of Twitter.now, claiming rights to the Twitter brand. However, Operation Bluebird contended that X had abandoned its trademarks, including “Twitter” and “Tweet,” allowing them to proceed.
In a LinkedIn post, Coates clarified that Twitter.now is not a revival of the original Twitter. Instead, it is designed as a distinct service that incorporates trust signals to inform users about the credibility of content. “We are building a different service, with tools that empower users to control the information they receive,” he stated.
The platform is currently in testing, with early access priced at $20. It features an AI system named VERA, which evaluates posts, verifies claims, and provides users with sources and context, along with a trust score. Users can adjust their trust score settings to filter out posts deemed low in credibility.
Moderation remains a significant challenge for social networks, particularly as user bases expand. Operation Bluebird acknowledges this issue and plans to utilize the VERA verification engine to enhance moderation efforts. The company has indicated that a more advanced version, VERA 2.0, is in development, which will allow users to customize their content visibility based on their chosen trust thresholds.
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, Twitter.now seeks to carve out its niche by prioritizing user agency and transparency in content consumption.