02/04/2026
Verifying Authenticity in the Age of X: From Early Twitter Days to Grok Intelligence
By Chinzakhual Khuptong
I began using Twitter in 2009, during what many now call its early “elite” phase. The platform, shaped by Jack Dorsey, was still finding its global voice. Most active users were from the United States — politicians, celebrities, business leaders, and public figures. Verification was rare, selective, and carried genuine prestige.
In India and many other countries, awareness of Twitter remained limited. Even with fewer than a thousand followers, I noticed something special: several verified accounts followed me. It felt like validation and a connection to the wider global conversation. Over time, however, I couldn’t sustain that momentum, and many of those accounts eventually unfollowed.
Throughout the years, I interacted with prominent international figures and organizations. I followed and engaged with Lee Hsien Loong (former Prime Minister of Singapore from the ruling People’s Action Party – PAP) and tracked updates from the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), a key opposition party. Interestingly, many of these official accounts lacked verification badges at the time. This led friends to question their authenticity, assuming they might be fake.
Notably, the official SDP account () continues to follow me on X today. Using Grok, I have confirmed it as the genuine account of the party.
A similar pattern appeared with Lawrence Wong, the current Prime Minister of Singapore and PAP member. Despite his prominent role, his official account () did not always carry verification in earlier phases. Only in recent years has verification become more consistent for such public figures.
Today, under Elon Musk’s leadership, X has evolved dramatically. One of the most valuable additions is Grok, the built-in AI that lets users verify information directly on the platform.
Comparing Verification: Then vs. Now
Under Jack Dorsey, verification was free but difficult to earn. It relied on Twitter’s internal review and often required proof such as:
- Government-issued ID
- Official email or domain (for organizations)
- Media references demonstrating public notability
This made the blue check a strong signal of identity and credibility.
Under Elon Musk, verification became subscription-based through X Premium. It now emphasizes:
- Payment confirmation
- Basic identity checks (in some cases)
- Optional ID verification
While more accessible, the blue check no longer serves as definitive proof of authenticity. Users must therefore rely more on tools like Grok, combined with their own judgment.
A Simple Technique to Verify Accounts Using Grok
1. Open the profile you want to check.
2. Tap the Grok icon in the X app.
3. Ask a direct question such as: “Is this the official account of [Person/Organization]?”
Grok analyzes available data and provides a reasoned response.
However, do not rely on Grok alone. Always cross-check manually:
- Does the bio match the real-world identity?
- Is there a long, consistent posting history?
- Does it link to an official website?
- Do other credible accounts follow or interact with it?
Final Reflection
Verification is no longer the sole indicator of authenticity. In the early Twitter days, it was rare and meaningful. Today, it is more accessible but less definitive. My journey — from connecting with early global users to witnessing these platform changes — shows that authenticity demands context, not just a badge.
With tools like Grok, we are better equipped than ever. Yet the most reliable approach remains a thoughtful combination of technology, observation, and informed judgment.
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