STORMONT has confirmed it advised MLAs on how to obtain a 'blue tick' on Twitter.
Seen by some as an online status symbol, the verification badge is normally used by high-profile figures such as celebrities to show their account is genuine.
But recently the social media site has allowed all users to apply for a blue tick with Twitter verifying accounts it decides are in the "public interest".
In recent weeks many Stormont assembly members' Twitter profiles have received the verification badge.
The Northern Ireland Assembly said it submitted a request to Twitter for its account to be verified.
A spokeswoman said the assembly "does not have responsibility for individual MLA accounts", but that "as a courtesy, information on Twitter verification was provided to MLAs who use Twitter".
She added: "The decision on whether or not to submit a request for verification is a matter for each individual MLA. There are no costs involved."
