X will start charging new users in two countries $1 per year
If you’ve been considering joining the popular social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, get ready to pay a small fee. X has announced that new users in New Zealand and the Philippines will now be charged $1 per year as part of their “Not A Bot” program. This initiative aims to combat spam, manipulation, and bot activity on the platform. In addition to the subscription fee, new users in these countries will also need to verify their accounts with a phone number. The exact reason for this new charge being exclusive to web users and limited to two countries remains unclear. However, X’s CEO, Elon Musk, has been vocal about his belief that charging users will deter bot armies. This new program adds to X’s existing $8 per month subscription and is another step towards creating a more secure and valuable user experience.
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X will start charging new users in two countries $1 per year
Introduction
In an effort to combat spam, manipulation, and bot activity on its platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced that it will start charging new users in New Zealand and the Philippines $1 per year as part of its “Not A Bot” program. This subscription program aims to bolster X’s existing efforts to reduce these harmful activities on its platform.
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Background
X has been facing ongoing issues with spam, manipulation, and bot activity on its platform. These issues have not only undermined the user experience but have also raised concerns about the integrity of the information shared on the platform. In an attempt to address these challenges, X introduced the “Not A Bot” program, which includes a $1 per year subscription fee for new users in two countries.
Subscription Program
Overview
The “Not A Bot” subscription program requires new users in New Zealand and the Philippines to pay a fee of $1 per year. This fee grants them access to the full features of X, allowing them to actively engage with the platform and create content.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the “Not A Bot” program is to reduce the occurrence of spam, manipulation, and bot activity on X’s platform. By charging a nominal fee, X aims to deter malicious actors from creating fake accounts and engaging in harmful activities.
Verification Requirement
In addition to the subscription fee, new web users in New Zealand and the Philippines are also required to verify their accounts with a phone number. This verification requirement adds an extra layer of security and helps ensure that only legitimate users are accessing the platform.
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Not A Bot Terms and Conditions
Subscription Options
The “Not A Bot” program offers a subscription option of $1 per year for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines. This subscription fee grants users access to all the features and functionalities of X, enabling them to actively participate in the platform’s community.
Applicable Platforms
While the initial announcement mentions that the subscription fee is only for new users joining via the web, the “Not A Bot” terms and conditions indicate that users can also subscribe from X’s iOS and Android apps. This discrepancy in the communication raises some questions, but it appears that the primary focus of the program is web users in the two specific countries.
Relation to Main Subscription
Charging to Combat Bot Armies
X’s CEO, Elon Musk, has been a vocal advocate for charging users as a means to combat bot armies. By implementing a nominal subscription fee, X can deter the creation of fake accounts and reduce the prevalence of harmful bot activity on its platform. This move aligns with Musk’s vision of creating a healthier and more authentic online environment.
Low Percentage of Paying Users
While the subscription fee aims to combat bot activity, it’s worth noting that only a small percentage of X’s users are currently paying for the main subscription, which costs $8 per month. This suggests that the new $1 subscription fee for new users may only have a limited impact on the overall revenue generated by X.
Increase in Time Spent on X
Despite the relatively low number of paying users, Musk has highlighted that the time spent on X has never been higher. This increase in user engagement demonstrates the platform’s growing popularity and indicates that users perceive value in the content and interactions offered by X.
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Update from Elon Musk
Following the announcement of the “Not A Bot” program, Elon Musk, X’s CEO, posted on the platform expressing his support for the subscription fee. Musk reaffirmed his belief that charging users can effectively address the issue of bot armies, emphasizing the importance of creating a more secure and authentic online space.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the “Not A Bot” subscription program, X aims to combat spam, manipulation, and bot activity on its platform. By charging new users in New Zealand and the Philippines $1 per year, X hopes to reduce the creation of fake accounts and create a more secure online environment. While the impact of this subscription fee on the overall revenue of X remains to be seen, it is a step towards addressing the ongoing challenges the platform faces.
Additional Content
Related News and Stories
For more information and updates on X’s subscription program and other developments, please refer to the following news sources:
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Source: https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/17/23921752/x-not-a-bot-charge-new-users-elon-musk
