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New feature "Not a Bot" being tested! $1 to verify identity; New regulations pose obstacles, Musk considers banning EU users

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New feature "Not a Bot" being tested! $1 to verify identity; New regulations pose obstacles, Musk considers banning EU users

In September of this year, Twitter owner Musk proposed to implement a small monthly fee feature to reduce the platform's bot problems. Currently, the related subscription feature "Not a Bot" is being tested in two countries. In addition, restrictions brought by the EU's Digital Services Act have caused Musk some trouble, with reports suggesting that he has considered banning the use of X in the EU region.

X Twitter Tests New Subscription Feature "Not a Bot" in Two Countries

Social platform X Twitter began testing a new subscription feature called "Not a Bot" in New Zealand and the Philippines starting from 10/17.

This feature will help X reduce spam messages, bots, and manipulative behavior on the platform. It also aims to test the platform's usability with a small fee mechanism in place.

The implementation process of the Not a Bot subscription is as follows:

  • Step 1: Phone Verification

    New users in New Zealand and the Philippines need to verify their phone numbers first.

  • Step 2: Choose a Subscription Plan

    The annual subscription fee of 1 USD will vary by country and currency. Subscribers will be able to perform specific actions on the X web version, including posting articles, liking articles, commenting, saving, reposting, and quoting. Of course, users can also opt for X Premium with more features, or verify organizational identity for special checkmarks.

Users who do not subscribe will only have access to basic "reading" functions, such as viewing posts, videos, and following users.

Musk Considers Banning European Users from X to Combat Digital Services Act

In addition to the ongoing issues of bots and scams on X, the Digital Services Act (DSA) implemented by the EU in August this year has brought some trouble to Musk.

After the implementation of DSA, large online platforms like X are required to establish efficient and transparent systems to review and remove false, misleading, and harmful information. Violations of DSA could result in fines of up to 6% of the company's global revenue.

On the 11th of this month, European Commission member Thierry Breton publicly stated on X that X was used to spread illegal content and misinformation in the EU during Hamas' terrorist attacks on Israel.

In response, Musk stated, "X's policy is to ensure everything is open source and transparent, and I know the EU also supports this approach."

At the same time, Musk hopes Breton can clearly point out the violating content on X so the public can understand which content is inappropriate.

However, Breton did not do so, and Musk mentioned that X will take action openly without any backroom deals, but he still does not understand what illegal content and misinformation Breton was referring to.

According to Insider's report, sources revealed that after the DAS was implemented, Musk discussed banning European users, similar to how Meta banned European users from Threads.

Furthermore, sources also stated that Musk has met with the Breton Commission twice this year to understand what X needs to do to comply with DSA regulations, but Musk has lost patience with the current situation.