Social network X charges users in New Zealand and the Philippines to maintain key features

Social media platform X, as it was formerly known TwitterUsers in New Zealand and the Philippines will be charged $1 (0.94 euros) a year to use key features as part of a new service aimed at fighting bots.

The company confirmed on October 17 that the “Not a Bot” subscription will enable key features like tweeting, replying and liking.

But users who opt out of the service can only read posts, watch videos and follow accounts.

“This new test is designed to reinforce our already important efforts to reduce spam, manipulate our platform and reduce bot activity,” X says in a statement.

“This will rate a powerful measure to combat bots and spammers on X, while balancing the platform’s accessibility with smaller fees.” In this test, existing users will not be affected.”

Since the acquisition by Elon Musk Twitter The company’s value fell to $44 billion (€41 billion) in October last year, with advertising revenue down about 50% in the year to July.

Musk laid off more than half of Twitter’s 7,500 employees to cut costs as he took over the social network.

In July, SpaceX and Tesla bosses rebranded Twitter as X in an effort to transform the company into “all apps,” including features such as payment services in addition to social media.

In September, Musk Pointed out the possibility of charging all users Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said charging “a few dollars or something” for accounts would reduce the creation of new bot accounts.

“Every time a bot creator wants to create another bot, they need another new payment method,” he said.

In April, X started charging X users 11 euros per month for its premium BlueTick service. However, bots are still a problem for the company.