X, previously known as Twitter, has initiated a new strategy by introducing charges for specific features on its platform. In certain markets, new X users will be required to pay an annual fee of $1 to access features such as tweeting, replying, quoting, reposting, liking, and bookmarking.

X unveiled the “Not a Bot” plan in New Zealand and the Philippines on Tuesday, as disclosed in a post on its website. Users who opt not to pay the fee will still have the ability to read posts, watch videos, and follow accounts without any charge. This fee can be waived if users choose to sign up for a premium account, which costs $3.99 per year.

Owner Elon Musk has contemplated this move for several months, as he sees it as a means to combat the proliferation of bots on the platform. “It’s the only way I can think of to combat vast armies of bots,” Musk stated during a conversation last month with Bibi Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister. X explained, “This new trial has been designed to augment our ongoing efforts to curb spam, platform manipulation, and bot activities on X. This is an assessment of a potentially powerful approach to tackle bots and spammers while maintaining platform accessibility with a modest fee.”

Existing users will not be affected by this test, as per X’s announcement. Numerous X users expressed discontent with the decision, foreseeing potential negative consequences such as user departures and declining advertising revenue. However, not all considered the $1 price tag as a significant barrier to entry.

Musk, who also owns Tesla and SpaceX, acquired the social media platform in October of the previous year, a move that was accompanied by significant staff reductions and resignations. Since then, Musk has introduced various controversial modifications. In April, he initiated the removal of the platform’s blue check verification system for high-profile users. Consequently, individuals can purchase these checkmarks, which enhance the visibility of their posts in the algorithm. During the same month, Musk faced criticism for labeling NPR’s account as “US state-affiliated media,” leading the outlet to cease its use of the platform.

In July, Musk rebranded the company from Twitter to X, a change that garnered widespread criticism for its perceived confusion.

{Matzav.com}