• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Elon Musk-owned social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, said on Tuesday it will test a new subscription model under which it will charge a USD 1 annual fee for basic features. Now, X users have to pay an annual subscription fee as the micro-blogging platform won't remain free anymore. The new subscription termed "Not A Bot" will charge users for likes, reposts or quoting other accounts' posts, and bookmarking posts on the web version of the platform.

X said the new method will be first available for users in New Zealand and the Philippines. "Starting today, we're testing a new program (Not A Bot) in New Zealand and the Philippines. New, unverified accounts will be required to sign up for a USD 1 annual subscription to be able to post & interact with other posts. Within this test, existing users are not affected," X support said.

"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," it added.

The purpose of introducing the new subscription model is to combat bots and spammers, X said, adding that the fee will vary from country to country based on the exchange rate.

Within this test, existing users are not affected. However new users who would not wish to subscribe will only be able to view and read posts, watch videos and follow accounts. Bots have been a contentious issue for Elon Musk who acquired the company last year. In July, X had introduced a limit on viewing tweets, "to ensure the authenticity" of its user base.

Currently, X charges its users for a specific monthly amount as a part of its “X Premium" subscription model. It is a premium subscription that adds a blue checkmark to your account and gives you early access to some services. In India, the premium costs Rs 900 per month for both Android and iOS devices. For the web, the pricing is Rs 650 per month.

 (With Agency Inputs)