Twitter, now rebranded as X, has taken a bold step in its fight against spam, manipulative activities, and bots on its platform.
The company has just introduced a new subscription program, dubbed “Not A Bot,” in New Zealand and the Philippines. In this move, new web users are required to pay a nominal fee of $1 per year to access the platform.
A New Approach to Combatting Spam
In a recent announcement, X revealed its strategic initiative to combat spam and bot-related activities on its platform.
This new program, available exclusively to new users joining via the web, aims to reinforce the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure a healthier and more engaging user experience.
Subscribing to the Future
Under the “Not A Bot” program, new web users in New Zealand and the Philippines are not only asked to pay the annual $1 fee but also to verify their account by providing a valid phone number.
This dual-layer approach not only restricts spam but also ensures that genuine users populate the platform, fostering a more authentic and secure online environment.
A Regional Rollout
One intriguing aspect of this development is the fact that the “Not A Bot” program is currently being introduced in only two countries, New Zealand and the Philippines.
X’s announcement did not provide specific details regarding the reasoning behind this regional selection.
However, it is conceivable that X has detected a higher incidence of bot-related issues and fraudulent accounts in these regions, making them a prime target for this innovative initiative.
Limited Actions for Non-Subscribers
For those who choose not to subscribe to the “Not A Bot” program, X has implemented certain restrictions.
Non-subscribers will be limited to “read-only” actions, which means they can view posts and watch videos but cannot actively engage with the platform by posting or interacting with other users.
A Curious Discrepancy
One curious aspect of this development is the apparent discrepancy in the accessibility of the “Not A Bot” program.
While X’s official announcement primarily mentions web users, the “Not A Bot” terms and conditions suggest that the subscription option will also be available for iOS and Android app users.
This inconsistency raises questions about the extent of the rollout and which platforms will ultimately be included.
Elon Musk’s Vision
Elon Musk, the driving force behind X, has been a vocal advocate for introducing subscription fees to deter bot armies and malicious activities on the platform.
While it’s important to note that only a small fraction of users are expected to opt for the new subscription, Musk remains committed to creating a more secure and engaging online space.
The Bigger Picture
This new “Not A Bot” program is not a replacement but an addition to X’s existing main subscription model, which costs $8 per month.
Musk has long emphasized the importance of charging users to counter bot activity. Despite the introduction of these fees, X’s user engagement levels have soared, emphasizing the platform’s continued relevance and popularity among users.
As X takes this significant step to combat spam and manipulation, it will be interesting to see how this new program impacts the user experience in New Zealand and the Philippines.
This initiative, coupled with the existing subscription model, reflects X’s determination to create a safer and more authentic online environment for all its users.