FameEX Hot Topics | Musk Implements Posting Fee for New X Users Amid Doubts About Bot Control

Social media titan X has been grappling with a persistent issue of crypto spam, prompting deliberation on implementing a posting fee to deter such activities. However, doubts persist among users regarding its effectiveness. Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul and owner of X, revealed plans to levy fees on new users for tweeting, aiming to mitigate the continuous influx of bots promoting cryptocurrency scams. Musk justified this move as necessary to combat rampant bot activity, highlighting that conventional measures like CAPTCHA are easily circumvented by advanced AI and troll networks.

This initiative follows Musk's ongoing battle against bots since his acquisition of Twitter in a $44 billion deal concluded in October 2022. Musk expressed concern over the proliferation of fake accounts, exacerbating the spam dilemma and depleting the pool of available usernames.Similar measures were trialed in New Zealand and the Philippines, where new users were required to pay a $1 fee for access to additional features under the "Not A Bot" subscription model. Musk anticipated that while not infallible, such measures would significantly raise the barrier for manipulating the platform.

However, skepticism abounds regarding the effectiveness of these proposed charges in curbing bot activity. Critics argue that the prevalence of verified scam accounts, obtained at exorbitant costs, undermines the proposed fee's deterrent effect. Additionally, concerns arise about the potential adverse impact on new user growth. Criticism extends beyond the fee-based approach, with some attributing the bot problem to X's ineffective account termination policies. Critics argue that a significant portion of bot and scam accounts originated years ago, indicating systemic shortcomings in platform management.

In a related development, Musk announced in late March that accounts with 2,500 verified subscribers would no longer be subject to fees for accessing "Premium" features. However, the availability of verification status for purchase on the platform may have facilitated scam activities.

Amid these challenges, X recently unveiled a proactive initiative to purge accounts violating platform rules on manipulation and spam. The efficacy of these measures in addressing the persistent spam dilemma remains to be seen amidst ongoing debates over the platform's approach to combating abuse and fostering user trust.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for informational purposes only, doesn't represent any investment advice or FameEX's official view.