Elon Musk, the owner of the online platform X (formerly Twitter), has suggested the possibility of introducing a monthly fee for all users to address the issue of bots on the platform.
Since acquiring the platform for $44 billion last year, Musk has implemented various changes, including staff layoffs, introducing a premium paid option, reducing content moderation, and reinstating banned accounts like Donald Trump’s. In July, Musk revealed that X had experienced a significant drop in advertising revenue.
Bots, which are automated accounts run by computer programs, are prevalent on X and can be used to artificially amplify political or hateful content.
During a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who raised concerns about online anti-Semitism and bot use, Musk mentioned that the platform was considering implementing a small monthly fee as a measure to combat the proliferation of bots.
Musk explained that bots are cost-effective, with minimal operational costs, but introducing even a modest fee would significantly increase their effective cost. Additionally, requiring a new payment method for each bot could create further hurdles for bot operators.
This discussion took place amid a dispute between Musk and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a US-based Jewish organization.
Musk has accused the ADL of baseless accusations of anti-Semitism, which he claims have deterred advertisers and negatively impacted X’s revenue. He has even threatened to file a lawsuit against the ADL seeking billions of dollars in damages.
