Elon Musk introduces charges for posts by new X users

Elon Musk, the owner of microblogging platform, X, has disclosed plans to charge new users for posting on the platform.

Musk said charging new users is the most effective strategy to combat the proliferation of bots on the platform.

He made the remark in response to questions on the new X’s policy for newly created accounts,

Musk further disclosed that new users would be granted free posting privileges after a three-month period.

According to Musk: “Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.

“Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease. The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result.”

Musk had introduced a $1 per year charge for new users of the platform in New Zealand and the Philippines on October 17, 2023.

The charge was introduced to allow users from both countries have access to essential features such as tweeting, retweeting, liking posts, and replying to posts.