The social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, has initiated a new program that mandates new and unverified users to pay a $1 annual subscription fee for registration.
This development was communicated via a statement on the platform’s support account on October 18.
X is currently testing this program in New Zealand and the Philippines. The test permits new accounts to post content and engage with other users.
The statement reads, “Starting today, we’re testing a new program (Not A Bot) in New Zealand and the Philippines. New, unverified accounts will be required to sign up for a $1 annual subscription to be able to post & interact with other posts. Existing users are not affected by this test.”
Starting today, we’re testing a new program (Not A Bot) in New Zealand and the Philippines. New, unverified accounts will be required to sign up for a $1 annual subscription to be able to post & interact with other posts. Within this test, existing users are not affected.
This…
— Support (@Support) October 17, 2023
This test aims to enhance the platform’s ongoing efforts to curb spam, manipulation, and bot activity.
The small fee amount ensures platform accessibility is maintained.
The program is not intended as a profit driver.
Subscription options have so far been the most effective solution at scale. Elon Musk, X’s chairman, revealed in a tweet on Wednesday that the annual subscription fee is intended to reduce spam and automated bot accounts.
He stated, “Correct, read for free, but $1/year to write. It’s the only way to fight bots without blocking real users.”
Correct, read for free, but $1/year to write. It’s the only way to fight bots without blocking real users.
This won’t stop bots completely, but it will be 1000X harder to manipulate the platform.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 18, 2023
