Twitter, a microblogging platform, has formally announced that it will begin charging its users for two-factor authentication (2FA) methods that use text messages to authenticate and secure their accounts.
By requiring users to enter a code or security key in addition to their password to log in, 2FA adds an extra layer of security to Twitter accounts. By taking this extra step, you can ensure that only you have access to your account.
Nevertheless, the company tweeted that starting March 20, “only Twitter Blue subscribers will be able to use text messages as their two-factor authentication method.”
Twitter has also shared a blog post to make the announcement about changes coming to 2FA login method.
“While historically a popular form of 2FA, unfortunately we have seen phone-number based 2FA be used – and abused – by bad actors,” it says in the blog.
“So starting today, we will no longer allow accounts to enroll in the text message/SMS method of 2FA unless they are Twitter Blue subscribers. The availability of text message 2FA for Twitter Blue may vary by country and carrier,” the blog post mentioned.
“After 20 March 2023, we will no longer permit non-Twitter Blue subscribers to use text messages as a 2FA method,” the company said in the blog post.
The microblogging platform is giving 30 days to the non-Twitter Blue subscribers that are already enrolled in 2FA to disable this method and enroll in another. However, disabling text message 2FA will not automatically disassociate your phone number from your Twitter account.