X formerly known as Twitter has announced the introduction of a new subscription model called “Not a Bot”, which will charge non-premium subscribers $1 to post on the platform in New Zealand and the Philippines.
However, X did not specify if the trial would eventually be extended to other countries.
The platform is making preparations for significant changes indicating that the once-free app may become entirely pay-to-post.
According to X, users on web browsers in New Zealand and the Philippines will experience the new “Not a Bot” subscription model first.
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Users who agree to the $1 policy can continue to use their accounts as they currently do, with all functionality. However, users who wouldn’t adhere to the new development will have their accounts placed on “view-only” mode, which means no posting or re-posting — only reading posts, watching videos, and following accounts will be available.
In a blog post by X, “This new test was developed to bolster our already significant efforts to reduce spam, manipulation of our platform, and bot activity.
“This will evaluate a potentially powerful measure to help us combat bots and spammers on X, while balancing platform accessibility with the small fee amount.”
It’s noted that this will only be implemented as of now for new accounts. Existing accounts in the two countries will not yet be affected.
Since Musk acquired the Twitter app in October 2022, he has rolled out multiple changes to the platform. In April, Musk replaced the platform’s legacy verification program — the blue ticks that verified the authenticity of famous personalities — with the Twitter Blue subscription program.
