X to Introduce a New Fee Structure for New Users

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is considering implementing a new fee structure for new users on his microblogging platform X as a means to combat the persistent issue of spam and bots. 

Musk stated that introducing a small fee for new X users to access basic functions like posting, replying, liking, or bookmarking posts could help alleviate the problem of bots inundating the platform.

As reported earlier by TheCoinRise, last year Musk stated that he has no intention to introduce crypto tokens on X as a reply to a tweet by DogeDesigner on Saturday, Aug. 5, discussing dubious X and Twitter-based digital currency.

X to Undergo Changes

Musk highlighted that conventional tools like CAPTCHA are increasingly ineffective against sophisticated AI and “troll farms.” 

He emphasized that the influx of fake accounts not only contributes to spam but also exhausts the available namespace, resulting in legitimate handles being unavailable.

Similar Measures

Similar measures were tried in New Zealand and the Philippines, where new X users were required to pay a nominal fee to access additional features. Musk believes that while this approach may not completely eradicate bots, it would significantly increase the difficulty of manipulating the platform.

However, some skeptics question the efficacy of this strategy. Blockchain sleuth ZachXBT expressed doubts, noting the existence of a thriving black market for verified accounts used in scams. 

Others, like Meta Mint team member “Roxo,” criticized the handling of the issue by X, attributing the proliferation of bots and scam accounts to the platform’s ineffective enforcement of rules.

X and Scams

In response to the criticism, Musk clarified that X accounts with a verified subscriber count of 2,500 or more would no longer be required to pay for “Premium” features. However, concerns have been raised that the ability to purchase verification status could potentially facilitate scams.

In an effort to address the issue, X recently announced a proactive initiative to eliminate accounts violating rules against platform manipulation and spam. Despite these measures, the effectiveness of the proposed fee structure in curbing spam and bot activity remains a topic of debate within the X community.

Twitter Payments System

Musk has been going back and forth when it comes to the integration of digital assets on X. The billionaire stated at the beginning of 2023 that he was looking forward to integrating crypto capabilities in the upcoming years on the social media platform. 

The billionaire has also praised the pro-crypto candidate for the 2024 US presidential elections, Vivek Ramaswamy. Notably, the candidate has withdrawn and is now supporting Donald Trump.