X Testing $1 Annual Fee in New Zealand, Philippines to Combat Fake and Spam Accounts
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FILE - Elon Musk, who owns Twitter, Tesla and SpaceX, speaks at the Vivatech fair, in Paris, France, Friday, June 16, 2023. The head of Elon Musk’s social media platform X says the company formerly known has Twitter has removed hundreds of Hamas-linked accounts and taken down or labeled thousands of pieces of content since the militant group’s attack on Israel. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is taking measures to combat fake and spam accounts by implementing a new subscription model. Owner Elon Musk announced that new users will be charged a minimum annual fee in order to interact with the platform. This move is aimed at reducing the prevalence of fake and spam accounts on the platform.
According to a blog post from the company, X has started testing this new model, called Not A Bot, on Tuesday for users creating new accounts on the web in New Zealand and the Philippines. The testing phase will require new accounts to verify their phone numbers and pay an annual fee of $1. This fee will grant users the ability to post content, like posts, reply to messages, and perform other key functions on the platform.
By implementing this subscription model, X intends to deter individuals from creating fake accounts and engaging in spam behavior. Fake and spam accounts have been a persistent issue on social media platforms, often used for various malicious activities such as spreading misinformation, engaging in online scams, or manipulating public opinion.
The annual fee requirement and phone number verification are designed to add an additional layer of security and accountability to new user registrations. By associating a verified phone number with an account, X aims to reduce the anonymity that can be exploited by individuals creating fake or spam accounts.
While the implementation of the annual fee may deter some users from joining the platform, X’s focus is on maintaining a safe and reliable community for its existing user base. Ensuring the authenticity of user accounts helps in fostering genuine conversations and reducing the spread of misleading or harmful content.
It is worth noting that X is not the first platform to introduce subscription-based models or additional verification measures to combat fake accounts and spam. Other platforms have implemented similar strategies with varying degrees of success, leading to more reliable user communities and improved user experiences.
As this new subscription model is being tested in New Zealand and the Philippines, it will provide valuable insights and data for X to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing fake and spam accounts. Based on the results and user feedback, X may consider expanding this subscription model to other regions in the future.
In conclusion, X is testing a $1 annual fee for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines as part of its efforts to combat fake and spam accounts. By requiring phone number verification and implementing a subscription model, X aims to create a safer and more authentic community on its platform. This move reflects a broader industry trend of implementing additional security measures to combat the persistent issue of fake accounts and spam on social media platforms.
