X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday announced on its website that new X users would soon have to pay a fee before posting on the platform.

New Users May Have To Pay A Fee Before Posting On X

The popular social microblogging site, which underwent an upgrade on Monday, plans to charge new users a “small” annual fee for basic functions like posting, liking, bookmarking, and replying to posts. However, users can still follow other accounts and read posts for free on X.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also confirmed the change in a post on X. The decision to charge a fee has been made to reduce spam and fake accounts on X and ensure that other X users have a better experience.

“Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.” Musk wrote. “Current AI (and troll farms) can pass ‘Are you a bot?’ with ease.”

“The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result.”

The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 15, 2024

According to a report by 9to5Mac, a code found in the X app confirms the change. The report further adds that those who wish to avoid unlocking the option to post will get it free of charge after a period of three months.

“Subscribe to unlock the ability to post and engage. New unverified users are required to pay a small annual fee before you’re able to perform any write actions on web, including posting, liking, bookmarking, and replying. This is to reduce bots and spam to make the experience better for everyone. You can still follow accounts and browse X for free,” a message confirming the change reads.

Last year, the social microblogging site tested this policy by charging a $1 annual fee for new and unverified accounts in New Zealand and the Philippines. While new subscribers could access and read content at no cost, actions like posting content, liking or bookmarking posts, and reposting, quoting, or replying to posts from other accounts required payment.

Currently, X has not announced when it plans to implement the change or how much the fee will cost. Keep watching this space for more updates, as this story is developing!