Elon Musk – Source: Nathan Stirk / Getty
Elon Musk dropped a bombshell revealing new accounts will soon have to pay $1 to use key features like tweeting and retweeting.
Since Tesla CEO Elon Musk took over X, formerly known as Twitter, it has undergone numerous changes. Recently the website removed the ability for previews to be shared in links posted on the timeline. No matter the reasons for changes people will always side-eye and question the motive. According to The Verge, X is prepared to make its most drastic change since Musk took over.
Reportedly X will begin to charge new users to the site a $1 yearly fee to access key features. Without the yearly fee, users will essentially only be able to scroll the timeline.
“Step One:
Phone Verification
-New accounts created on X, in these two countries, will first be required to verify their
phone number.
Step Two:
-Select Your Subscription Plan
$1 USD Annual Fee (prices vary by country and currency). New users will be able to perform certain actions on the web version of the platform: post content, Like posts, Reply, Repost and
Quote other accounts’ posts, Bookmark posts.” read the websites updated terms of service.
If you want to join the conversation you will have to pay up. Allegedly this move is key to the platform’s “Not A Bot” program to combat bots and spam.
“Correct, read for free, but $1/year to write. It’s the only way to fight bots without blocking real users.
This won’t stop bots completely, but it will be 1000X harder to manipulate the platform.” Must said in a Tweet responding to rumors of the change.
Many current users believe it will only be a matter of time before a subscription is required for everyone. Only time will if that becomes true but with corporate greed, anything is possible. For now, the rules only apply to new users in New Zealand and the Philippines but will eventually be required for all new users.
With the next election cycle creeping up this change might turn out to be a good idea.
