Title: X (formerly Twitter) Tests $1 Annual Subscription Fee to Combat Spam and Bot Activity
Subtitle: New Zealand and the Philippines chosen as initial test markets for “Not A Bot” program
DATELINE: [City, Country] – X (formerly Twitter) has announced plans to test a new annual subscription fee of $1 for new users as part of its efforts to combat spam and bot activity on the platform. The program, called “Not A Bot,” aims to enhance the user experience by eliminating malicious accounts and ensuring high-quality content. The test will first be rolled out in New Zealand and the Philippines.
This move comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who acquired X in October 2022, previously revealed plans to introduce a subscription fee model in September. The company states that the changes are not intended to generate profit but to promote a healthier and safer Twitter environment for users.
Users who choose not to pay the annual fee will have limited access, only enabling them to view posts and follow accounts. By implementing this subscription model, X hopes to deter and filter out bot accounts that have plagued the platform in recent years.
Spam and bot activity has been a recurring concern for Musk since his involvement with the company. To address this, several significant changes have been made on the platform, including alterations to user verification and reductions in trust and safety teams. Independent researchers have also identified a considerable number of bot accounts promoting crypto tokens on the platform, further raising alarms about the prevalence of these malicious accounts.
It remains unclear when the paid subscription fee will be introduced globally. However, the user response and effectiveness of the trial in New Zealand and the Philippines will likely influence X’s decision on the wider implementation.
X (formerly Twitter) continues to strive for innovative approaches to improve user experience and maintain the integrity of its platform. As the world eagerly awaits the results of this trial, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future direction of social media and online communication.
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