New Delhi: Elon Musk is shaking things up again at X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform is set to implement a new fee structure targeting new users, requiring them to pay a small amount for actions like posting, liking, replying, and bookmarking.Fighting the bot battleThis bold decision comes from Elon Musks ongoing battle against bots on the platform. He believes that charging a fee will deter the creation and use of automated accounts that often spread misinformation and disrupt genuine user interactions.The policy is only for new usersThe new policy will apply specifically to new users joining X. Fortunately, existing users will not be affected. Furthermore, new users will be granted a grace period of three months after account creation. During this time, they can experience the platforms full functionality without any fees.SPECULATION: X might be expanding its policy to charge new users before they reply/like/bookmark a post https://t.co/odqeyeiHBx pic.twitter.com/EU71qlwQ0D— X Daily News (@xDaily) April 15, 2024Following the Money TrailThis move follows a similar experiment conducted in October 2023. Back then, X, under Musks leadership, trialed a $1 annual fee for new users in the Philippines and New Zealand. The success (or lack thereof) of these trials likely influenced the current, more comprehensive fee structure.SPECULATION: X might be expanding its policy to charge new users before they reply/like/bookmark a post https://t.co/odqeyeiHBx pic.twitter.com/EU71qlwQ0D— X Daily News (@xDaily) April 15, 2024From Twitter to X and beyondSince acquiring the platform, Musk has been a driving force for change at X. The platforms name transformation from Twitter to X is just one example. This latest decision regarding user fees adds another layer to the evolving X experience.While the core elements of the new fee structure are clear, two key details remain unannounced: the exact cost per action and the official launch date. X users can expect further updates on these aspects in the near future.Will Musks gambit pay offOnly time will tell if Musks gamble to combat bots through user fees will be successful. While some users might be deterred by the extra cost, others may welcome a potentially cleaner and more authentic X experience.
