X, formerly known as Twitter, is implementing a new pay-to-use model, charging new users $1 annually for access to key features. The platform will now require users to pay in order to tweet, reply, quote, repost, like, bookmark, and create lists. This change is set to go live today for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines.
X’s Support account confirmed the details of this new test, emphasizing that it is aimed at reducing spam, manipulation, and bot activity on the platform. The small fee is seen as a way to balance platform accessibility while combating these issues. The company states that the implementation of this new pay-to-use model is not intended to drive profits.
Elon Musk, owner of X, has long discussed the idea of charging users for the platform as a way to combat bots. During a recent livestreamed conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk expressed that charging a fee was the only solution he could think of to address the problem.
X has published the “Not-a-Bot Terms and Conditions” today, outlining its plan for a paid subscription service that provides users with certain abilities on the platform. This program is separate from X Premium, which offers additional features like the ability to “Undo” and “Edit” posts for a monthly fee of $8. However, due to the company’s turbulent reputation under Musk’s leadership, some users have expressed concerns about providing their credit card information.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, was asked about the impact of a full subscription model on the platform’s revenue. At the Vox Code Conference last month, Yaccarino responded by questioning whether Musk had confirmed the implementation or was merely considering it.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.