By Seyi Babalola
Elon Musk, the owner of the microblogging network X, has announced intentions to charge new users for publishing on the platform.
Musk stated that charging new customers is the most effective technique for combating the spread of bots on the network.
He commented in answer to inquiries about the new X’s policy for freshly formed accounts.
Musk further disclosed that new users would be granted free posting privileges after three months.
According to Musk: “Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.
“Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease. The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result.”
Musk had introduced a $1 per year charge for new users of the platform in New Zealand and the Philippines on October 17, 2023.
The charge was introduced to allow users from both countries have access to essential features such as tweeting, retweeting, liking posts, and replying to posts.
