Social network The "NotABot" program is currently being tested in New Zealand and the Philippines and is only available to new users. The X support account said that "during this test," existing users are not affected.
The $1 per year fee charged to users is intended to "reduce spam, manipulation of [X] platform, and bot activity." X claims that the subscription option "has proven to be a major solution to these problems at scale."
This new initiative is designed to defend against bots and spammers who seek to manipulate the platform and disrupt the experience of other X users.
All new accounts in New Zealand and the Philippines are required to verify a phone number and then pay a $1 fee to create posts, reply to, repost, quote, and favorite posts. New users who don't pay will only be able to read posts, watch videos and follow accounts.
It’s unknown if NotABot will expand to more countries, as well as users who have already signed up for X but refuse to pay the monthly premium subscription fee.