In what appears to be a bold experiment in monetizing discontent, Elon Musk has hinted that X, formerly Twitter and currently a black hole of user confusion, may begin charging all users a “small monthly payment” for access to the platform. This revelation came during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is perhaps the most unusual setting in which to announce a new pricing model since Apple unveiled the iPod with U2 blaring in the background.
According to Musk, who has a habit of dropping major policy changes with all the subtlety of a flaming meteorite, introducing a fee is the only way to combat “vast armies of bots.” Apparently, robots can build cars, write poetry and operate trading algorithms, but cannot be bothered to pay $2.99 a month to post memes.
Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, a move financial analysts still whisper about over drinks, has since rebranded it as ‘X’ and overseen what some might call an ambitious structural overhaul and others might call a social media fever dream. The platform has seen sweeping changes under his leadership, including an overhaul of verification, content moderation policies that flirt with anarchy, and a new logo that resembles a pirate tattoo.
He explained that their current approach to tackling bots, which uses verification and AI detection systems, is not quite up to scratch, since bots can adapt frustratingly quickly. Hence the proposed fee, which would serve as a sort of toll booth on the superhighway of online squabbling and unsolicited crypto shilling.
For those worried that putting a price tag on posting might affect user activity, rest assured that nothing motivates the internet like finding new ways to be mad about things. Musk noted that users “will still be able to post like a regular person,” but now they might pay for that privilege, much like a modern-day public square with a cover charge and surge pricing for outrage.
The fee discussion arrives as part of Musk’s broader attempt to pivot X into something akin to an “everything app,” a term so vague yet so ambitious it makes one wonder if it includes espresso delivery or existential reassurance. Meanwhile, advertising revenue remains mercurial, and a number of brands have distanced themselves from the platform over moderation concerns, minority rights issues and a persistent case of whatever the opposite of good PR is.
When asked whether a mandatory subscription would drive users away faster than you can say “Threads,” Musk appeared unbothered, confident that people will pay for X just like they pay for Netflix, Spotify and other platforms that sometimes work as intended.
Whether users will actually cough up cash to post their lunch takes and conspiracy theories remains to be seen, but one thing seems certain: free expression rarely comes with a receipt, except perhaps now.
Turns out freedom of speech isn’t free, it now comes bundled with a monthly invoice and questionable customer support.