If you want to create an account and publish on platform X now, you need to pay to do so.

To combat robot activity on the platform, platform X will start charging new users fees when they publish for the first time.

New users will have the option to pay one dollar to enable publishing or wait three months to do so for free.

The payment barrier will pose an additional obstacle for the platform, which is trying to return to profitability but continues to lose users.

Platform X (formerly Twitter), which was previously free to use, will soon start collecting money from new users.

According to Elon Musk, the current owner of the company, new users joining X will be required to pay a nominal annual fee for liking, posting, replying, and even saving tweets.

Musk emphasized that the new policy is primarily aimed at reducing spam messages and improving the overall user experience. He also added in a tweet: "Unfortunately, imposing a small fee for new users to access platform features is the only way to effectively curb relentless bot attacks, as artificial intelligence can easily bypass a (are you a robot) question."

Elon Musk confirmed that combating fake accounts and phishing messages will only be done by imposing nominal fees on genuine users. However, he did not disclose X platform's plans to do so and how it will prevent the spread of fake accounts and automated bots because those involved might pay small fees or create multiple accounts and wait until they can send messages.

On the other hand, observers point out that new users may reconsider using the platform if they find themselves required to pay an amount (even if small) for it. Especially with their ability to use other social media platforms without paying anything.

It appears that the pay-per-use model is currently only being tested in New Zealand and the Philippines since last October, where new users are charged a one-dollar annual subscription fee to publish and perform other activities, and now the company intends to globalize the experiment it seems.

It is worth mentioning that Elon Musk has been outspoken about concerns over spam messages and fake accounts on X before he purchased the platform. He even tried to use the fake accounts issue on the platform as an argument to avoid his commitment to buy it in 2022, but a US court rejected his request and forced him to complete the deal or pay the hefty penalty.

It's noted that Musk acquired X (formerly known as Twitter) in October 2022 after a swift legal battle. However, since taking over the company's leadership, the platform has suffered from successive crises, rushed launches of new features, and the departure of many users and advertisers from the platform. As a result, the company finds itself in a difficult position, seeking to reduce losses and regain profitability in order to continue.