The social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, said the platform will start a new programme that will require new, unverified accounts to sign up for a $1 annual subscription to be able to post and interact with other posts.
The programme is being tested in New Zealand and the Philippines in preparation for its global rollout. This, however, is not going to affect unverified existing users on the platform.
Musk noted that the new users who opt out of subscribing at the signup stage will only be able to take “read-only” actions, such as reading posts, watching videos, and following accounts.
At signup, new users will be able to select from subscription options of $1 fee, X Premium, or Verified Organisations.
The statement released by Musk reads, “this new test was developed to bolster our already successful efforts to reduce spam, manipulation of our platform and bot activity while balancing platform accessibility with the small fee amount. It is not a profit driver. And so far, subscription options have proven to be the main solution that works at scale.
“This will evaluate a potentially powerful measure to help us combat bots and spammers on X, while balancing
