Dollar proof: X to charge $1/year to prove the user is “not a bot”

X, formerly known as Twitter, is shaking up its game by introducing a unique subscription service in New Zealand and the Philippines. For a mere $1 per year, users who access X via its website will be privileged to join the “Not A Bot” program. This initiative is about reducing spam, cracking down on platform manipulation, and battling against bot activity.

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The Not A Bot Program: Fighting spam and manipulation

X’s “Not A Bot” program is at the heart of its strategy to combat bots and enhance platform integrity. This $1 annual subscription aims to create a robust user verification process. By doing so, X intends to set a higher online security and authenticity standard.

“As of October 17th, 2023 we’ve started testing “Not A Bot”, a new subscription method for new users in two countries. This new test was developed to bolster our already significant efforts to reduce spam, manipulation of our platform and bot activity. This will evaluate a potentially powerful measure to help us combat bots and spammers on X, while balancing platform accessibility with the small fee amount. Within this test, existing users are not affected,” the official announcement read.

Why only new web users and just two countries?

The “Not A Bot” initiative is notable in that it is only available to new users who access X through its website, and it is only available in New Zealand and the Philippines. The reason for this is unclear based on X’s announcement. However, it is probable that certain areas have seen increased bot activity, making the need for action even more acute. Furthermore, creating phony accounts on the internet is expected to be easier, making it a suitable starting point for this campaign. Users who choose not to subscribe will only be allowed to execute “read-only” tasks, such as reading posts and videos.

Not a bot pricing

• New Zealand: $1.43 NZD per year 
• Philippines: ₱42.51 PHP per year

How will it work?

X has also revealed how the new system will work, starting in New Zealand and the Philippines. First of all, new accounts created in these two countries will require phone verification, which is the classic part of the process that we are used to. Secondly, you will select your subscription plan and that is when you are required to pay the $1 fee.

“New users who opt out of subscribing will only be able to take “read only” actions, such as: Read posts, Watch videos, and Follow accounts,” X added.

Not just another subscription

This new program supplements X’s existing monthly membership of $8. Elon Musk, who is driving the creation of X, has long claimed that pricing for access might dissuade bots. Even though the number of paying subscribers is minimal, Musk has emphasized the growing user interaction on X. As the platform enters a new period of development, the “Not A Bot” campaign promises a more bot-free and spam-free social media experience. Users in New Zealand and the Philippines are leading the way in a movement that might transform online interaction, leaving bots and spam in the dust.