Microblogging site Twitter has revealed that it is preparing a beta launch of a new feature to approve user accounts so others can be sure they are not following an imposter.

The Verified Accounts feature will initially be used to authenticate accounts belonging to public officials, public agencies, famous artists, athletes and other well-known individuals from this summer.

Writing on the Twitter blog, co-founder Biz Stone said that the website had decided to look into account authentication as it had realised that the issue of imposters setting up accounts in other people's names is becoming more critical.

He said that this is particularly true when looked at in the light of a recent lawsuit brought against Twitter by St Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, who is suing the website after a fake page was set up in his name.

Twitter took the page down as soon as it was aware of it, but the lawsuit is still being brought.

"Mr La Russa’s lawsuit was an unnecessary waste of judicial resources bordering on frivolous. Twitter's terms of service are fair and we believe will be upheld in a court that will ultimately dismiss Mr La Russa's lawsuit," Mr Stone stated.

He denied reports suggesting that Twitter had settled the lawsuit by donating to Mr La Russa's charitable foundation and paying his legal fees.