X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, has announced the unveiling of a new programme that requires users to pay $1 annually for sign up.
This was contained in a statement shared on the support account of the popular social media platform on Wednesday, October 18.
According to the statement, the program is now being tested in New Zealand and the Philippines adding that within this test existing users won’t be affected.
The statement read, “Starting today, we’re testing a new program (Not A Bot) in New Zealand and the Philippines.
“New, unverified accounts will be required to sign up for a $1 annual subscription to be able to post & interact with other posts. Within this test, existing users are not affected.
“This new test was developed to bolster our already successful efforts to reduce spam, manipulation of our platform and bot activity while balancing platform accessibility with the small fee amount. It is not a profit driver.
“And so far, subscription options have proven to be the main solution that works at scale.”
Giving reasons for the annual subscription, the X’s Chairman, Elon Musk, on Wednesday, noted that the charge will reduce spam and automated bot accounts.
“Correct, read for free, but $1/year to write. It’s the only way to fight bots without blocking real users.
“This won’t stop bots completely, but it will be 1000X harder to manipulate the platform.”
