In a bold move aimed at combating spam and enhancing user experience, Twitter, now referred to as X, is set to implement a new policy where new users will be charged for engaging with tweets. This decision, endorsed by Elon Musk, is seen as a proactive step towards addressing the persistent issue of spam bots and fake accounts plaguing the platform.
Under the new policy, new users joining X will be required to pay a nominal fee for actions such as liking, posting, replying, and even bookmarking tweets. The move, already active in New Zealand and the Philippines, marks a significant shift for X, formerly known as a free-to-use social media platform.
The initiative, first noticed by the account X Daily News, aims to alleviate the rampant spread of spam and enhance the overall user experience. Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry, expressed his support for the new policy, highlighting the necessity of implementing measures to curb the proliferation of bots.
Musk emphasized that the onslaught of fake accounts not only disrupts user engagement but also exhausts the available namespace, making it challenging for genuine users to secure desired handles. By introducing a nominal fee for new user access, X hopes to deter spammers and ensure a more authentic user base.
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However, questions remain about the effectiveness of this approach in deterring spam bots. Critics argue that spammers may be willing to pay the small fee or create multiple accounts to circumvent the restrictions, undermining the intended purpose of the policy.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on user adoption, as some may be deterred by the prospect of paying to use the platform. With other social networks offering free access, X risks alienating potential users by imposing financial barriers to entry.
The cost of the service is estimated to be around $1, based on the conversion rate of $1.75 in New Zealand currency. Currently, the pay-to-use policy is limited to New Zealand and the Philippines, with no indication of plans for a wider rollout.
Elon Musk has long been vocal about his concerns regarding spam and bot accounts on social media platforms, including Twitter. He has criticized Twitter’s advertising-driven model, suggesting that inflated user numbers due to bots could mislead advertisers and investors.
As X prepares to implement its new pay-to-use policy, the tech community watches closely to see if this measure will indeed effectively combat spam and improve the platform’s user experience. Time will tell whether this bold move proves to be a game-changer or if further adjustments are needed to address the evolving challenges of online engagement.
