ALBAWABA – Having been struggling to generate enough revenues since the beginning of 2024, Elon Musk’s X is testing a $1 annual subscription for basic features, news agencies reported on Wednesday.
The new "Not A Bot" subscription will charge users for likes, reposts or quoting other accounts' posts, and bookmarking posts on the web version of the platform, Reuters reported.
The purpose of introducing the new subscription model is to combat bots and spammers, X said, adding that the fee will vary from country to country based on the exchange rate.
X said the new method will be first available for users in New Zealand and Philippines.
Musk's X, formerly Twitter, underwent groundbreaking changes since the tech billionaire bought the platform last year - Shutterstock
Within this test, existing users will not be affected, according to Reuters. But new users who would not wish to subscribe will only be able to view and read posts, watch videos and follow accounts.
Musk, in September, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and claimed that bots are amplifying what he called “hate speech” and “antisemitism” on the platform.
He said subscriptions will help curb bot activity, effectively suppressing misinformation, disinformation and hateful narratives on the platform, without encroaching on freedom of speech.
As the genocide in Gaza unfolds, Musk's X has become an asylum for pro-Palestine activists condemning Israeli atrocities and exposing disinformation by occupation supporters and sympathisers.
Bots have been a contentious issue for Musk who acquired the company last year. In July, Musk's X had introduced a limit on viewing tweets, "to ensure the authenticity" of its user base.
