Elon Musk considers imposing monthly fee on X users

Elon Musk, the owner of the online platform X (formerly known as Twitter), has revealed plans to introduce a monthly fee for all users as part of efforts to combat the proliferation of bots on the platform.

Musk, who acquired the platform for $44 billion last year, has been implementing significant changes, including layoffs, premium subscription options, content moderation adjustments, and the reinstatement of previously banned accounts like that of former US President Donald Trump.

In July, Musk disclosed that the platform had lost around half of its advertising revenue, partly due to various changes made to the service.

The prevalence of bots on X, automated accounts that can artificially amplify political messages or promote hate speech, has been a persistent issue.

During a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the topic of online anti-Semitism and the use of bots to propagate hate speech was raised.

In response, Musk proposed the idea of implementing a “small monthly payment for use of the X system” as a way to combat the vast armies of bots on the platform.

Musk explained that introducing a fee would significantly increase the cost of deploying bots, as each bot would require a separate payment method. This approach aims to deter the widespread use of bots on X.

While Musk’s plan to address the bot issue is seen as a potential solution, it could also mark a notable change for the platform, which has traditionally been free for users.

The conversation between Musk and Netanyahu was broadcast on X and occurred amid a legal dispute between Musk and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a US-based Jewish organization, over accusations of anti-Semitism and its impact on X’s revenue. Musk has threatened to sue the ADL for alleged revenue losses caused by these accusations.