By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Bold move: Elon Musk announces new policy for X users
Elon Musk, CEO of the social media platform X, revealed plans to implement a significant change affecting new users: they will now be required to pay for posting privileges. Musk cited the proliferation of bots as the driving force behind this decision, emphasizing the necessity of imposing a fee to combat the issue effectively.
According to Musk, the influx of fake accounts has saturated the platform’s username pool, resulting in a scarcity of desirable handles. He noted that current artificial intelligence technology, along with troll farms, can easily bypass traditional bot detection measures, exacerbating the problem.
In response to inquiries regarding the new policy, Musk clarified that new users will have the option to post for free after a three-month period. This initiative follows X’s previous implementation of a $1 annual fee for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines, aimed at curtailing spam, manipulation, and bot activity.
Furthermore, Musk disclosed ongoing efforts to cleanse X of bot accounts and trolls, with plans to suspend legitimate accounts found in violation. The platform vows to hold accountable those responsible for malicious activity, ensuring consequences for their actions.
X Users, Elon Musk