Elon Musk, the CEO of X, formerly known as Twitter, has hinted that the social media platform may soon introduce a monthly fee for all users.
According to AFP, the move aims to combat the proliferation of bot accounts on the platform. Bots are automated accounts run by computer programs rather than humans, and they are widespread on X. They are often used to spread political messages and hate speech.
Musk purchased the platform in October of last year and has since implemented several new features.
One such feature is the blue verification checkmark, which is now available to anyone willing to pay approximately eight dollars.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk indicated that similar initiatives could be on the horizon.
When asked about how X plans to tackle digital anti-Semitism and the use of bots to amplify such messages, Musk stated that the company is "moving towards a small monthly fee for the use of X."
He explained that this is the only way he can think of to effectively combat the armies of bots on the platform.
"For a bot, the cost is a fraction of a cent, maybe a tenth of a cent. But if you have to pay a couple of dollars in subscription fees, the cost for bots becomes very high. And you also have to have a new payment method every time you create a new bot," Musk said.
