X "Not A Bot" program announced, requires new accounts to pay PHP 42.51 per year

To combat spam and bots that manipulate its platform, Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) announced the "Not A Bot" program.

X "Not A Bot" program

A new way to combat spammers and bots that could spread false information?

X on its website said that, 

This new test was developed to bolster our already significant efforts to reduce spam, manipulation of our platform and bot activity. This will evaluate a potentially powerful measure to help us combat bots and spammers on X, while balancing platform accessibility with the small fee amount. Within this test, existing users are not affected. 

The test which started yesterday October 17, 2023, is currently being done in two countries—New Zealand and the Philippines.

X said that new accounts created in the two countries will first be required to verify their phone number.

The second step is they will "Select Your Subscription Plan". It is a USD 1 annual fee (New Zealand: NZD 1.43 per year and Philippines: PHP 42.51 per year).

New users will be able to perform certain actions on the web version of the platform: post content, Like posts, Reply, Repost and Quote other accounts' posts, and Bookmark posts.

Meanwhile, new users who opt out of subscribing will only be able to take "read-only" actions such as: "Read posts", "Watch videos", and "Follow accounts".

This new program aims to defend against bots and spammers who attempt to manipulate the platform and disrupt the experience of other X users. We look forward to sharing more about the results soon.

What do you guys think?