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Graham Norton expresses “worry” over hacked Twitter account amidst verification concerns

Graham Norton is one of the most popular television presenters in the UK, and his Twitter account has been a popular destination for his fans to stay abreast of his latest thoughts and opinions. However, recent reports have revealed that Norton’s Twitter account was reactivated without his knowledge, sparking concerns about verification fears. In this article, we delve into the specifics of Norton’s case and explore what it could mean for the broader online community.


TV presenter and comedian Graham Norton has expressed his alarm after his Twitter account was apparently hacked, amid ongoing concerns about the verification system on the platform. Although Norton deleted his @grahnort Twitter account last year, he noted on Monday that it had been reactivated. He said he had now been locked out of the account and was worried that any hackers would try to use it to solicit donations for fake causes. The issue with verification on Twitter hinges on the legacy blue checkmarks, which have yet to be removed from the platform. Despite having pledged to remove them on 1 April, they have not yet disappeared. There has also been confusion over the impact of changes being made by Twitter owner Elon Musk. This week, the platform’s blue bird logo was replaced by the image of a Shibu Inu dog, a nod to the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. Musk is currently defending a $258 billion US lawsuit over an alleged pyramid scheme linked to the coin.

Concerns have mounted about fake profiles and impersonations which have blue verification ticks, after Twitter made these a paid feature for subscribers to its Twitter Blue system at a cost of $8 per month. Numerous celebrities, including broadcaster Martin Lewis, have highlighted examples of their being impersonated. Lewis tweeted on 12 April that a fake account apparently promoting cryptocurrency had a blue tick: “Let’s see whether it is taken down when I report this impersonation,” he wrote. The profile mimicking Lewis has since disappeared. Lewis also commented that he had contacted Twitter’s press office about the issue, but had received only an automatic response involving a poo emoji. Celebrities including basketball star LeBron James, comedian Ben Stiller and model Chrissy Teigen have said they will not pay for Twitter Blue.

Meanwhile, the New York Times has lost its blue checkmark after declining to pay to remain verified. The newspaper has 55 million Twitter followers.


In conclusion, the recent incident of Graham Norton’s reactivated Twitter account serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online security and verification. It highlights the potential risks associated with social media and the need for users to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their online presence. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial that we prioritize the safety and security of our personal information and take necessary measures to avoid falling prey to online threats. The incident also underscores the need for social media platforms to strengthen their verification procedures and ensure that users have complete control over their accounts. Overall, this incident serves as an important lesson for all of us to remain vigilant and cautious in our online activities to safeguard our privacy and security.

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