Elon Musk Unveils Plan: New X Users Might Face Posting Charges
Elon Musk has dropped a bombshell for those entering the realm of X, suggesting potential charges for content posting on the platform.
In response to a user's query, Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, expressed regret, citing the need for "a small fee for new users' writing access" as the primary defense against an overwhelming wave of automated bots.
Musk highlighted the alarming ease with which modern AI and troll farms bypass traditional bot-detection measures, necessitating proactive steps to safeguard platform integrity.
He further elucidated how the proliferation of fake accounts depletes available usernames, posing a significant challenge for genuine users.
To allay concerns, Musk emphasized the minimal nature of the proposed fee, reassuring that it applies solely to new users. After a probationary period of three months, they would regain unrestricted writing privileges without financial burden.
This announcement mirrors the platform's earlier move in October to impose a nominal $1 annual fee on new, unverified users in New Zealand and the Philippines.
Recently, the Musk-led platform launched a sweeping purge of spam accounts, resulting in decreased follower counts for some users as bots were removed.
This action was prompted by a surge in spam and adult content bots, which had inundated the platform in recent months, causing frustration among users.
Musk's prior declaration of a system-wide purge targeting bots and trolls underscores the platform's commitment to fostering an authentic user experience.
Despite these efforts, the exact extent of bot presence on X remains undisclosed, leaving users and observers eager for further developments in the platform's ongoing battle against automated infiltrators.