Twitter, one of the leading social media platforms, has recently announced that it will be charging for SMS-based two-factor authentication, a security feature that has been widely criticized for its vulnerabilities. This move has caused some controversy, as Twitter users are required to pay for the privilege of using an authentication method that has been deemed by security experts as the least secure.

Starting from March 20th, Twitter will no longer offer SMS-based two-factor authentication for free. Twitter users who wish to continue using SMS-based 2FA will need to subscribe to Twitter Blue, a premium subscription service that offers additional features, for $8 a month on Android and $11 a month on iOS. Alternatively, Twitter users can switch to a more reliable authentication method, such as an authenticator app or physical security key.

Twitter’s decision to charge for SMS-based 2FA is not without reason. The company has been vocal about the vulnerabilities of SMS-based 2FA and the need to transition to more secure authentication methods. SMS-based 2FA relies on text messages to authenticate users, which can be intercepted by hackers or cybercriminals, leaving users vulnerable to attacks.

While Twitter’s decision to charge for SMS-based 2FA may come as a surprise to some users, it is important to note that there are more secure alternatives available. Authenticator apps and physical security keys, for example, are much more secure than SMS-based 2FA, as they generate unique codes that are not transmitted over the internet or cellular network.

Moreover, by introducing a paid subscription service, Twitter may be able to generate additional revenue while also encouraging users to adopt more secure authentication methods. While some users may be put off by the subscription fee, the added security benefits of switching to an authenticator app or a physical security key are well worth the investment.

Twitter’s decision to charge for SMS-based 2FA is a step in the right direction toward improved security. By encouraging users to adopt more secure authentication methods, Twitter is taking a proactive approach to safeguarding user accounts from potential security breaches. While the subscription fee may be a minor inconvenience for some users, the added security benefits are well worth the investment.