August 27, 2026, 2:41 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The U.S. startup Operation Bluebird has launched a new social network called Twitter.now, bringing back the old brand with the familiar bluebird. After months of waiting and disputes over naming rights, the Twitter revival is now available in the early access phase–though the founders are charging a premium for access.
Dispute Over Naming Rights
Operation Bluebird publicly announced its plan at the end of 2025. According to the founders, Elon Musk’s company relinquished the associated naming rights when the platform was renamed X after the 2022 acquisition, gradually removing any mention of Twitter from products, services, and marketing. Bluebird filed a request with the U.S. Patent Office to reclaim the naming rights. The X Corporation responded with a lawsuit and sought a preliminary injunction against the launch in a federal court in Delaware.
As reported by Ars Technica, a U.S. district judge preliminarily suggested during an April 2026 hearing that X might have forfeited rights to the brand. This could include not only the term “Tweet” and the bird logo but possibly “Twitter” itself.
Bluebird Founders Relaunch Twitter
No written decision has been issued yet. However, for Bluebird co-founder Stephen Coates, the statements were sufficient to launch the platform Twitter.now with the words “Twitter is back.” The former trademark attorney told Ars Technica, “We believe that X has abandoned its rights to the ‘Twitter’ and ‘Tweet’ trademarks.”
Despite the visual and functional similarities, Twitter.now explicitly distances itself from the former operator. The website states: “We are Twitter, reclaimed. Operation Bluebird, Inc. has picked up the name that X Corp. abandoned and is now rebuilding it based on trust […]. We are not X and have no affiliation with X Corp.”
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Integrated Fact-Checker
A central feature of Twitter.now is Vera. This verification tool, based on Google Gemini, automatically examines every published post for its truthfulness.
According to Operation Bluebird, the aim is to create a safer and less harmful digital debate space: “We believe that people should have more control over what they see–and more transparency about the information presented to them.”
Users should be able to publish their views. However, the business model is not intended to financially reward harmful or false content through wide reach.
Access Only for a Fee
Unlike its predecessor, Twitter.now will offer access only for a fee. Bluebird aims to ensure the platform’s independence and make it more resistant to bot accounts.
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Currently, the social network is in the early access phase and offers two options to become an early member. The “Founder” option provides access to the service before the public launch. Cost: 20 U.S. dollars. For 40 USD or more, you get “Fighter” status and a special badge. The bluebird holds a slingshot–a nod to the battle of David (Bluebird) against Goliath (X).