In a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, dropped a bombshell that could reshape the landscape of social media.

Musk hinted that a monthly payment system might become the norm for all X users in a bid to combat the ever-persistent issue of bots and fake accounts on the platform.

Pay Walling X

“We’re moving to having a small monthly payment for use of the system,” stated Elon Musk, emphasizing the necessity of this move to counteract the proliferation of bots.

While this statement has sparked significant curiosity and speculation, X has yet to issue an official statement clarifying Musk’s comments, leaving users and experts wondering whether this is a desperate attempt to bolster Twitter’s revenue or a strategic move in the making.

Growing Concerns of Bots

Musk’s interest in addressing the bot problem on X has been a long-standing one. Since acquiring the platform in October 2022, he has consistently sought ways to monetize it and incentivize users to opt for the paid “X Premium” service.

This strategy involves providing premium subscribers with added features, such as extended post lengths and heightened visibility. Notably, X continues to offer free access to users, a point emphasized by Musk.

While the financial motivations behind this move are apparent, Musk asserted that the primary goal is to thwart bots. He highlighted that bots are incredibly cost-effective to create, often costing a fraction of a penny.

New ‘X Premium’ Tier could be Introduced

By introducing a modest monthly fee, even a nominal one, the barrier for entry for bots would significantly increase, making it economically unviable for their creators.

Currently, X Premium is priced at $8 per month in the US, with varying rates for different countries. Musk indicated that he is exploring lower tier pricing options, aiming to make it affordable for a broader user base.

“This is the only defense against vast armies of bots,” Musk added, underlining his commitment to combating this issue. However, this move is not without risks.

Rise of Antisemitism on X is a Concern

Putting X behind a paywall could potentially alienate a substantial portion of its user base, potentially leading to a decline in advertising revenue, which remains a cornerstone of the company’s income stream.

Balancing the need to combat bots with retaining user engagement and revenue generation will be a delicate act for X and Musk. In addition to discussing the subscription model, Musk’s conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu also delved into another contentious issue-antisemitism on the platform.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has accused X of not doing enough to curb antisemitic content, an allegation Musk vehemently denies. Earlier this month, Musk announced his intention to sue the ADL to protect the platform’s reputation.

Content Moderation Concerns

During their conversation, Musk reiterated his stance against antisemitism, and Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the challenging balance between free speech and content moderation. He urged Musk to find ways to address not only antisemitism but also all forms of collective hatred.

As Elon Musk’s vision for a subscription-based X takes shape, it remains to be seen how users and advertisers will respond to this transformation. This move could represent a significant turning point for social media platforms, challenging the traditional model of free access in exchange for user data and advertising revenue.

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