An alternative here is to open verification to anyone, but use non-fungible tokens (NFT) to create tiers of accounts. Non-fungible tokens, being immutable, have the benefit of cutting down on fake users, adding a layer of authenticity to bolster security. The vain among us could pay for some super-expressive, feature-granting token, while Twitter could continue giving out badges to public figures.
Source: https://www.coindesk.com/layer2/2022/11/01/the-web3-twitter-fixes-elon-musk-could-actually-try/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=headlines