X has monetized their platform only in two countries

In order to curb spam, manipulation, and bot activity, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is introducing a new subscription program that costs users in New Zealand and the Philippines $1 per year.

This program, named "Not A Bot," signifies a shift in X's approach to user management and security. It's designed to enhance the platform's efforts in combating malicious activities but met with mixed reactions on social media platforms.

What is X's Not A Bot program?

X's "Not A Bot" program is a response to the growing challenges posed by spam and bots on the platform. According to the Not A Bot program, new web users in New Zealand and the Philippines will be required to pay a minimal fee of $1 per year.

X Not A Bot program aims to lower the presence of bots within the platform

Additionally, account verification via a phone number will be mandatory. According to Elon Musk, this dual approach is expected to ensure that real, human users are joining the platform, making it more challenging for bots and malicious actors to infiltrate.

Will users who don't pay for X not be able to use it?

Elon Musk also clarified this issue. The Not A Bot program does not mean that users in New Zeland and the Philippines cannot fully use the platform.

Users who do not pay for X will not be able to use the platform, according to Elon Musk's response to X News Daily's xeet/tweet.

Correct, read for free, but $1/year to write. It’s the only way to fight bots without blocking real users.

This won’t stop bots completely, but it will be 1000X harder to manipulate the platform.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 18, 2023

Why web users and only two countries?

The decision to restrict the $1 subscription to web users and launch it exclusively in New Zealand and the Philippines might seem puzzling at first. One speculation is that X has identified a higher prevalence of bot activity in these regions.

Read also: Will X ID verification be a remedy for bots?

The web interface, often accessible on a variety of devices, may be more vulnerable to bot account creation. Notably, new users who opt out of the subscription will have limited functionalities, primarily focused on consuming content passively, such as reading posts and watching videos.

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