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X Social Media Platform Trials $1 Fee for New Users in the Philippines and New Zealand to Combat Spam

by Ryan Lee
7 comments
Elon Musk's social media platform X tests $1 fee

In a strategic move aimed at curbing the proliferation of spam and fraudulent accounts, Elon Musk’s social media company X has initiated a $1 fee for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines. The initiative was announced on Tuesday and is implemented through an annual subscription model for new and unverified accounts. Known as the “Not a Bot” program, it will not be applicable to existing users of the platform.

There is no clear indication as to why the trial is limited to New Zealand and the Philippines or how these particular countries were selected for the pilot.

According to a tweet from the X support account, “The trial is conceived as an extension of our successful measures to limit spam, manipulation, and bot-related activities on our platform, while maintaining its accessibility by setting the fee at a modest amount. This initiative is not intended to serve as a significant revenue generator.”

Further Inquiries into Platform Conduct

In related news, the European Union has requested information from X on the handling of hate speech and ‘illegal content,’ especially concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. Criticism has mounted over the manner in which X has become a breeding ground for misinformation, particularly after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

Previous Changes and Challenges

Since acquiring X approximately one year ago, Elon Musk has executed numerous changes, including rebranding the service and making substantial staffing reductions, notably in the content moderation department. Critics argue that these changes have enabled the spread of misinformation on the platform.

Previous Attempts at Revenue Generation

Prior to this, Elon Musk had turned to premium subscriptions as a method for increasing revenue for the financially beleaguered platform.

Verification and Impersonation Issues

One of Musk’s initial moves after acquisition was to revamp the platform’s blue-check verification system. He introduced a service that would grant verification badges to users willing to pay an $8 monthly fee. However, this led to a surge in fake accounts and necessitated a temporary halt to the service just days after its launch.

Subscription Perks and Limitations

Under the ongoing trial, new users paying the $1 fee will be granted basic features such as the ability to post content, like or bookmark posts, and engage with other accounts through reposts, quotes, or replies. In contrast, new users who opt not to subscribe will have restricted access and will be limited to reading posts, viewing videos, and following other accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elon Musk’s social media platform X tests $1 fee

What is the purpose of the $1 fee for new users on Elon Musk’s social media platform X?

The $1 fee is part of a test program aimed at reducing the number of spam and fake accounts on the platform. The initiative, known as the “Not a Bot” program, is being rolled out in the Philippines and New Zealand for new and unverified accounts.

Who will be affected by this new $1 fee on platform X?

The $1 fee will only apply to new and unverified users who join the platform in the Philippines and New Zealand. Existing users will not be subject to this fee.

Why are only the Philippines and New Zealand included in this trial?

There is no clear information as to why the test is limited to these two countries or how they were specifically chosen for the pilot program.

Is the $1 fee a significant revenue stream for the platform?

According to statements from the company, the $1 fee is not intended to be a significant source of revenue. Instead, it is designed to curb spam and fraudulent activities on the platform.

What happens to new users who don’t pay the $1 fee?

New users who choose not to pay the $1 fee will have restricted access to the platform’s features. They will only be able to read posts, view videos, and follow other accounts.

What features will be accessible for new users who pay the $1 fee?

New subscribers who pay the $1 fee will be granted access to basic functionalities such as posting content, liking or bookmarking posts, and engaging with other accounts through reposts, quotes, or replies.

How does this $1 fee relate to previous changes Elon Musk has made to the platform?

Since acquiring the platform, Elon Musk has implemented a series of changes, including staff reductions and rebranding. The $1 fee is the latest in these changes, aimed specifically at limiting spam and fake accounts.

Has the platform taken other measures to combat misinformation and spam?

Yes, the platform has been under scrutiny for allowing misinformation to spread, particularly around the Israel-Hamas conflict. This new initiative is an additional measure to combat spam and fraudulent activities.

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7 comments

MoneyMatters October 18, 2023 - 12:05 pm

if it’s not a profit driver, what is it then? A social experiment? Either way, a bold move from Musk. Yet again.

Reply
MarketWatcher October 18, 2023 - 8:26 pm

One dollar isn’t a lot, but it could be a barrier for some ppl. And if it’s not about revenue, why charge at all? Curious to see how this’ll impact user numbers.

Reply
TechGuru October 18, 2023 - 9:05 pm

Elon is always full of surprises. first the rebranding, then cuts in the workforce, and now this. Keep an eye on X, things are shaking up over there.

Reply
SallyQ October 18, 2023 - 9:57 pm

So now they’re charging people to use social media? What’s next, pay per post? Still, if it helps to get rid of spam, maybe it’s worth it.

Reply
PoliticalView October 18, 2023 - 11:48 pm

A $1 fee to limit spam? Guess it’s a small price to pay for quality. but how they gonna ensure it doesn’t limit freedom of speech?

Reply
JohnDoe October 19, 2023 - 2:01 am

Wow, just a dollar to keep out the spam? Thats interesting. But why only Philippines and New Zealand? Seems a bit random to me.

Reply
CryptoFan101 October 19, 2023 - 6:38 am

Elon’s at it again with his crazy experiments. Remember the verification for $8 thing? lol what a mess that was. Lets see how this one turns out.

Reply

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