Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently made headlines with the announcement of its new subscription model called “Not A Bot.” In an effort to combat the ever-growing problem of bots and spammers on the platform, X plans to charge users $1 (roughly Rs. 83) annually for basic features.
Under the new subscription model, X will charge users for popular features such as likes, reposts, quoting other accounts’ posts, and bookmarking posts on the web version of the platform. This move aims to deter bots and spammers from engaging in these activities and disrupting the user experience. X has also stated that the subscription fee will vary from country to country based on the exchange rate.
X has chosen New Zealand and the Philippines as the first countries to test this new subscription model. For existing users in these countries, there will be no immediate impact on their experience. However, new users who choose not to subscribe will only be able to view and read posts, watch videos, and follow accounts. This strategy sets the stage for potential expansion of the subscription model to other regions in the future.
The issue of bots has been a particularly contentious one for Elon Musk, who acquired X last year. In July, X implemented a limit on viewing tweets to ensure the authenticity of its user base. Musk’s determination to tackle this problem has led to the development of the “Not A Bot” subscription model as part of X’s ongoing efforts to create a safer and more genuine user experience.
According to sources, X CEO Linda Yaccarino recently discussed the company’s plans to test three tiers of its subscription service. These tiers would be based on the number of ads shown to the user. While the specifics of these tiers are not yet known, it indicates X’s intention to provide users with various options based on their preferences and level of engagement with the platform.
Earlier this year, Elon Musk made waves when he announced that X would remove the block feature, which allows users to restrict specific accounts from contacting them, seeing their posts, or following them. However, the mute function, which allows users to screen out specified accounts without alerting them, will be retained. These changes have raised concerns among some users about privacy and the ability to control their online experience.
X’s introduction of the “Not A Bot” subscription model represents a significant step towards combating bots and spammers on the platform. By charging users for popular features, X aims to create a more authentic and meaningful user experience. The initial testing in New Zealand and the Philippines will provide valuable insights for potential future expansions. However, controversial changes to blocking and user privacy continue to be a point of contention. As X moves forward with its new subscription model, it will be interesting to see how users respond and whether it effectively addresses the issue of bots and spammers plaguing the platform.
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