Elon Musk Implements New User Fee on X to Combat Bots

Musk Proposes Charging New X Users

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the social media platform X, has unveiled a plan to charge new users for basic functionalities like posting and replying. This strategy aims to tackle the persistent issue of spam bots, which have been a significant challenge since his acquisition of the platform in a $44 billion deal in October 2022.

Musk's Battle Against Bots: A Continuous Struggle

Musk described the situation on April 15, responding to 'X Daily News' about a new spam reduction policy. He mentioned that a small fee for new users might be the only effective measure to control the bot menace, which not only floods the platform with unwanted content but also occupies valuable username space.

Technical Limitations and Previous Efforts

According to Musk, tools like CAPTCHA, which are designed to verify user authenticity, are no longer effective against sophisticated AI and organized 'troll farms'. He highlighted the ease with which these technologies are being bypassed.

Criticism and Alternative Perspectives

A trial of a similar policy was conducted in New Zealand and the Philippines, where new users could unlock additional features by paying a $1 'Not A Bot' fee. Musk expressed optimism about the policy, stating it significantly hampers the ability of bots to manipulate the platform. However, many, including blockchain expert ZachXBT, argue that this measure won't completely solve the problem, citing the prevalence of business-verified scam accounts that can afford the fee.

Critics, including Meta Mint team member Roxo, argue that the real issue lies not with new account creation but with the platform's failure to effectively manage and terminate fake accounts. They point out that many of the problematic accounts were established years ago and are deeply embedded in the platform's network.

Recent Initiatives and Policies

In response to these ongoing challenges, X announced a new initiative earlier this month, focusing on a proactive approach to eliminate accounts violating platform rules against manipulation and spam.