In a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk discussed his belief that requiring a small monthly payment for platform access could be the most effective way to address the persistent issue of bots on the platform.
Musk stated, “We’re moving to having a small monthly payment for use of the system.” However, as of now, it remains unclear whether this statement is an informal suggestion or a signal of more concrete plans yet to be unveiled. The BBC has approached X for further information but has not received an official statement from the company.
The billionaire entrepreneur has long advocated for a payment-based solution to eliminate bots and fake accounts from social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of charging for verification. Since taking over Twitter and renaming it X last year, Musk has been actively working to encourage users to opt for a paid subscription service called X Premium. This subscription offers additional features, including longer posts and increased visibility on the platform, but the basic use of X remains free for users.
Musk’s rationale behind introducing payments is primarily to deter bots, as he pointed out that creating a bot costs only a fraction of a penny. Charging even a minimal fee, such as a few dollars, would significantly increase the cost of bots, making them less economically viable for malicious actors.
Currently, X Premium is available for $8 (£6.50) a month in the United States, with pricing varying by country. Musk indicated that he is exploring options for lower-tier pricing, aiming to keep the cost to users as minimal as possible.
During the conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister, Musk also addressed concerns related to antisemitism on X. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has previously criticized the platform for not taking sufficient action against antisemitic content.
In response to these allegations, Musk reiterated his stance against antisemitism and stated that the company intends to address these issues. Earlier this month, he even announced the company’s intention to sue the ADL to “clear our platform’s name.”
Netanyahu acknowledged the challenge of balancing free speech with content moderation and encouraged Musk to strike the right balance. “I hope you find within the confines of the First Amendment, the ability to stop not only antisemitism but any collective hatred of people that antisemitism represents,” he remarked.
Musk’s proposal to introduce a payment system on X may have significant implications for the platform’s user base and advertising revenue, as it could potentially lead to a decline in free users and subsequently affect the platform’s primary source of income. The future direction of X and the details of any potential payment system are eagerly awaited by users and observers alike.
