19-10-2023 (MANILA) Social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently implemented a new subscription method called “Not a Bot,” which requires new users in the Philippines and New Zealand to pay a fee for basic features. The announcement was made on October 17, highlighting the platform’s efforts to combat spam and manipulation.
Under the “Not a Bot” subscription plan, new users signing up on the web version of X will be charged an annual fee of P42.51. This fee grants them access to various actions on the platform, including posting content and engaging with other users through likes, replies, reposts, quotes, and bookmarks.
On the other hand, users who choose not to pay the fee will be limited to a “read only” version of the platform, allowing them to view posts, watch videos, and follow accounts but without the ability to actively participate.
X’s decision to implement this subscription plan aims to tackle the persistent issue of bots and spammers on the platform. By introducing a nominal fee, the company hopes to strike a balance between accessibility and combating malicious activities.
To create a new account using the web version in the Philippines and New Zealand, users will first need to verify their phone number. Afterward, they will be prompted to select a subscription plan, which includes the $1 Annual Fee, X Premium, or Verified Organizations options.
Existing users in these countries will not be affected by the new subscription requirements.
While X has not provided a specific explanation for choosing the Philippines and New Zealand as pilot countries for this subscription method, it is worth noting that various studies have explored the prevalence of disinformation and the use of bots to manipulate online conversations in the Philippines.
