X to begin implementing a modest user fee

The social media giant, X, is set to introduce a user fee, a move Elon Musk believes will deter the creation of fake accounts, as he revealed in a recent live discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During the conversation, Musk indicated a shift towards "a nominal monthly charge" for accessing the X platform. "This seems to be our best strategy against overwhelming numbers of bots," he pointed out.

While specifics of this upcoming charge remain undisclosed, the nature of its benefits or whether it would come with any exclusive features is still under wraps.

Currently, X provides a premium tier costing $8 monthly for desktop users and $11 for iOS and Android users. This package offers perks like a verification badge, extended post lengths, post-editing capabilities, and enhanced visibility in search outcomes.

Musk's chat with Netanyahu was about more than just the platform's future. They also touched on the backlash Musk has encountered regarding his stewardship of X. After acquiring the venue for a whopping $44 billion in 2022, he has faced criticism for the unchecked spread of hate content and misinformation.
Despite the emergence of competitors like Meta's Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon, X has held its ground, boasting 550 million users as of September.

Beyond these developments, Musk envisions X's evolution into a comprehensive "all-in-one app," catering to various needs, from video conferencing to financial transactions.