Last year a reported suggested that Elon Musk-owned social media platform X (formerly Twitter) will start charging users to access basic features. This included even creating a post on the social media platform. Now, Musk has confirmed that the plan is in motion and may be rolled out soon.
“Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots. Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease,” Musk said in a post.
Bots has been a big problem for X. Twitter bots are automated accounts run by software or content farms. They act like regular users by tweeting, liking, and following others. Some bots are helpful, sharing news or providing customer service. However, malicious bots can spam you or spread misinformation and fake news.
Musk also said that because of bots a lot of users don’t end up getting good usernames. “The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result,” he replied to a user’s post on X.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, a code found in X confirmed that a change is in the offing. “Subscribe to unlock the ability to post and engage. New unverified users are required to pay a small annual fee before you’re able to perform any write actions on web, including posting, liking, bookmarking, and replying. This is to reduce bots and spam to make the experience better for everyone. You can still follow accounts and browse X for free,” reads the code.
So it will be applicable to only new users and they will have to pay a nominal fee. Earlier rumours suggested that it could be as low as $1 (roughly Rs 85) per year.
There is no word on when this system will come into effect or how much the fee will cost. A previous rumour said that X wanted to charge $1 a year from non-verified users.
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