18-10-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) Social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, has announced plans to trial a new subscription model named “Not A Bot,” where users will be charged an annual fee of $1 for basic features. The subscription will cover activities such as liking, reposting, quoting posts from other accounts, and bookmarking posts in the web version of the platform.
The primary objective behind this new subscription model is to combat issues related to bots and spammers on the platform. X has stated that the fee will vary from one country to another, contingent on the exchange rate.
Initially, this new subscription method will be available exclusively to users in New Zealand and the Philippines. Current users will not be affected by this test, but new users who opt not to subscribe will only have the ability to view and read posts, watch videos, and follow accounts.
Bots have been a prominent concern, particularly since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company last year. In July, X imposed a limit on viewing tweets to ensure the authenticity of its user base.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, held discussions with the platform’s lenders, during which she mentioned the company’s plans to experiment with three subscription tiers based on the number of advertisements presented to users. These developments highlight X’s efforts to evolve its business model and enhance user experiences on the platform.
