Musk opined that Twitter’s old system of verification was “corrupt” and opened up blue check-marks to any paying customer -- a move to democratize the status symbol, perhaps, but also a means for Musk to generate a much-needed new revenue stream.

Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-aud-nw-twitter-verified-badges-20230324-pnvrqfqef5emvdqvrdjm6ovbsy-story.html

The company later offered check-marks in other colors — gold for businesses and a gray for government and multilateral organizations and officials.

Source: https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2023/04/21/249075/pope-twitter-verified-status-lebron-james/