X Introduces $1 Annual Subscription to Combat Spam and Bots
In a recent announcement, X (formerly known as Twitter) revealed that it will be conducting a test that charges new users an annual fee of $1. This subscription will grant users the ability to “post and interact with other posts.” The move is aimed at combating spam and bot activity on the platform.
Testing in New Zealand and the Philippines
The “Not A Bot” program, as the company calls it, will first be tested in New Zealand and the Philippines. X clarified that these changes are not intended to generate profits but rather to address the issue of excessive bot activity on the platform.
Limited Access for Non-Paying Users
Users who choose not to pay or are unable to do so will still have access to view posts and follow accounts but will not be able to post or interact with other users’ content.
Musk’s Concerns about Bot Activity
Elon Musk, who acquired X in October 2022, has been vocal about his concerns regarding bot activity on the platform. He initially claimed that Twitter was underreporting the number of bots on its platform as part of his efforts to back out of a $44 billion acquisition deal. However, this claim was disputed by experts.
Bot Activity Under Musk’s Ownership
Under Musk’s ownership, bot activity on X has reportedly worsened. This has prompted the company to take measures to address this issue, including introducing the annual subscription fee. These changes have significantly impacted the platform, which plays a crucial role in disaster response infrastructure and newsgathering.
Changes Made Under Musk’s Leadership
Musk has made several changes to X since acquiring it. He phased out notability requirements for user verification in favor of a paid model and implemented cost-cutting measures that included cuts to trust and safety teams. These decisions have been met with criticism from users who have noticed a decline in the platform’s quality.
No Worldwide Rollout Date Announced
It remains uncertain when the paid subscription model will be introduced worldwide. However, X’s move to address spam and bot activity through this test is seen as a step towards improving the overall user experience on the platform.
Hot Take: X Introduces $1 Annual Subscription to Tackle Bot Activity and Improve User Experience
X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced that it will be testing an annual subscription fee of $1 for new users. This move is aimed at combating spam and bot activity on the platform. Users who choose not to pay or cannot afford the fee will still have limited access to view posts and follow accounts. Elon Musk’s concerns about bot activity prompted these changes, with reports suggesting that bot activity has worsened under his ownership. While some users have criticized the platform’s decline, X’s decision to introduce the subscription fee shows a commitment to improving the user experience by addressing these issues.
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