Social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, announced on Tuesday that it will pilot a new subscription model that charges users an annual fee of $1 (approximately Rs. 83) for access to basic features.
This subscription, branded as “Not A Bot,” will enable users to interact with the platform by liking, reposting, quoting other users’ posts, and bookmarking content on the web version.
X stated that the initiative aims to address the issues of bots and spam accounts, indicating that the subscription fee will be adjusted according to local exchange rates in different countries.
The trial phase will initially roll out in New Zealand and the Philippines.
Current users will not be affected by this change; however, new users who choose not to subscribe will have limited capabilities, allowing them only to view and read posts, watch videos, and follow accounts.
Bots have been a significant concern for Elon Musk, who took over the company last year. In July, X introduced restrictions on tweet viewing to help ensure the authenticity of its user base.
Earlier this month, a report from Reuters suggested that X CEO Linda Yaccarino discussed plans for a three-tiered subscription service with the platform’s lenders, which would depend on the volume of advertisements shown to users.
In August, Musk mentioned that X would eliminate the feature allowing users to block other accounts. This blocking option enables users to prevent specific accounts from contacting them, seeing their posts, or following them. Musk noted in a post that “Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature’, except for DMs,” referring specifically to direct messaging. He confirmed that the mute function would remain available, allowing users to avoid seeing content from specified accounts without notifying those accounts of the action.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
