A startup named Operation Bluebird has launched a paid social media platform called Twitter.now, directly challenging X Corp and Elon Musk's claim to the Twitter brand. The launch follows X Corp's cease-and-desist letters to Nitter, a service that let users browse X without an account. The trademark case over the Twitter name remains ongoing, but Operation Bluebird is confident enough to roll out its service now.

What You Need to Know

Twitter.now is not a replica of the old platform but a paid service with feed controls and trust signals. The trademark dispute between Operation Bluebird and X Corp is unresolved, and a court ruling could shut down the platform. Users should understand that the $20 or $40 fee funds a service operating in legal gray area. Meanwhile, the broader trend of reclaiming abandoned brand names continues as alternatives like Bluesky grow.

The Legal Battle Over a Reclaimed Brand

Operation Bluebird filed to claim the Twitter trademark last year, arguing that Musk abandoned the brand when he renamed the $44 billion acquisition to X. X Corp responded swiftly, stating that "Twitter never left and continues to be exclusively owned by X Corp." The case is now in court, with no judgment yet. Unlike Nitter, which faced a cease-and-desist and appears to have folded, Twitter.now is a fully independent platform with its own user base. The service explicitly states it is "not affiliated with X Corp" and that its content does not come from X.

Twitter.now's Paid Model

To join Twitter.now, users must pay for early access. The service offers two tiers with different pricing and perks. Operation Bluebird says the paid structure keeps bots out and ensures independence from advertisers.

  • Founder Tier: $20 for early access as a founding member of the platform.
  • Fighter Tier: $40 for early access plus a slingshot badge on the user's profile.
  • Feed Control: Users adjust a dial to manage reach, with the philosophy of "freedom of speech, not freedom of reach."
  • Trust Signals: Paid accounts help verify real users, and the service displays trust signals on posts.

Unlike Nitter, which provided read-only access to X content without an account, Twitter.now requires users to register and pay. The service aims to be a new social network rather than a mirror of the old one.

Why This Matters

The launch of Twitter.now puts X Corp in a difficult position. If the court rules in favor of Operation Bluebird, it could set a precedent for other abandoned brand names to be reclaimed by third parties. For users, the platform offers a paid alternative to X, but its survival depends on the legal outcome. The case also highlights the tension between Musk's rebranding efforts and the enduring value of the Twitter name. Should Twitter.now fail, it may discourage similar attempts. Either way, the fight over the Twitter brand is far from over.