Billionaire, Elon Musk, has thought about taking steps to making social media platform X users pay. The platform formerly known as Twitter may soon require people to pay “a small, monthly” subscription to use the platform. This decision effects roughly 550 million people who use the social network.
Each day the platform users generate roughly 100 million to 200 million posts. Musk’s reasoning behind moving the platform behind a paywall is to ward off automated accounts (bots). The tech mogul stated that automated accounts cost “a fraction of a penny” to set up. Adding if he charged X users “a few dollars or something” it could deter bot operators.
Plus, every time a bot creator wanted to make another bot, they would need another new payment method.
Taking Over Twitter
On April 14, 2022, Musk started the process of acquisitioning Twitter, Inc. Later, the world’s richest man attempted to back out of deal. However, after months of mudslinging, lawsuits, and the possibility of heading to trial, Musk finalized the deal purchasing Twitter for $44 billion.
After signing the deal, he immediately fired the company’s four top executives. Then, the self-described “free speech absolutist” reversed the permanent ban on former President Donald J. Trump. Subsequently allowing the social media platform to be a more freewheeling place.
Admitting Thought Process
During a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk admitted to his current thought process. Additionally, they originally began their conversation about technology and artificial intelligence. However, discussions quickly turned to free speech and antisemitism.
Currently, the only money the social media platform charges its users is for a subscription service X Premium. A subscription that comes with perks such as a verified checkmark account and use to the tweetdeck.
Platform Concerns
Prime Minister Netanyahu shared his concerns about the accusations X is not doing enough to tamper down racist speech on the platform. “I encourage you and urge you to find the balance,” Netanyahu said to Musk. Adding that finding said balance is tough.
Musk stated while the his stance is “pro-free speech” he is “against antisemitism of any kind.” However, he has repeatedly belittled politicians, whistleblowers, federal regulators, transgenders, short sellers, journalists, and critics of his companies.
Additionally, the billionaire referred to his ultimate goal for humanity which is for it to be “a spacefaring civilization.” Musk stated this goal cannot be reached there is “a lot of infighting and, you know, hatred and negativity.”
Future for X
Musk has not stated that his social network will in fact become a monthly subscription platform. Only that he had been toying with the idea of making people pay to use the site. However, it should be noted that Musk has a history of voicing an idea and not following through.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The New York Times: Elon Musk Completes $44 Billion Deal to Own Twitter
CNBC: Elon Musk says Twitter, now X, is moving to monthly subscription fees and has 550 million users
The Guardian: Elon Musk says Twitter, now X, could charge all users subscription fees
Featured Image Courtesy of Daniel Oberhaus‘ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Steve Jurvetson‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
