Elon Musk, On Monday, in a live streamed conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shared his intentions regarding Twitter, which has been renamed X. Among the topics discussed, Musk mentioned that the social network is considering implementing a nominal monthly fee for access to the X platform as a measure to combat the proliferation of “vast armies of bots.”
However, Musk did not specify the exact cost of this new subscription plan for users of the social network, nor did he provide details about which additional features would or would not be included at the lowest subscription level.
During the livestream event, Musk also disclosed some updated statistics for X, stating that it presently boasts 550 million monthly users who collectively generate between 100 million and 200 million posts on a daily basis.
Musk refrained from revealing the breakdown between authentic users and bots among the company’s monthly user base. Additionally, he did not provide a direct comparison with the metrics that Twitter had previously employed. Back in May 2022, prior to Musk’s involvement, Twitter had reported an “average monetizable daily active usage” figure of 229 million.
The primary focus of the discussion with Netanyahu was intended to revolve around the theoretical risks associated with artificial intelligence technology and potential regulatory measures. Nevertheless, Musk also seized the opportunity to challenge the perception that his social network tolerates hate speech and antisemitism.
This meeting came in the wake of widespread criticism directed at Musk from civil rights groups regarding his platform’s amplification of bigotry, including antisemitic accounts, content, and conspiracies.
Elon Musk’s Recent Controversies and Actions
In recent weeks, Musk has issued threats of legal action against the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization led by individuals of Jewish heritage, claiming that they actively sought to undermine his social network. Musk attributed X’s massive 60% revenue loss to ADL’s actions rather than taking responsibility for his business decisions. He said he had “no choice” but to sue the ADL.
Currently neither Musk nor X Corp. It has taken legal action against the ADL, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Before meeting with Netanyahu, Musk also spoke against the George Soros Foundation and claimed that the foundation aimed to “disrupt” Western civilization. George Soros is a Hungarian-American Jewish philanthropist and the founder of the Open Society Foundations, which provides support to various civil society groups. He became the target of many anti-Semitic campaigns.
Musk frequently criticizes various groups and individuals on his social media platforms, including conservatives, government regulators, politicians, journalists, critics, criticizes his business, and criticizes his sales staff. Despite this information, Musk told Netanyahu on Monday that his entire stance, regardless of their identity, was against certain plans. He said his vision of humanity as a “civilized place” is tied to the need to reduce conflict, discrimination and negativity.
After acquiring Twitter for approximately $44 billion in October, Musk reduced staff and made sweeping changes to the platform. In addition to being the CEO of automaker Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX, he is also the company’s largest shareholder, chief technology officer, and chairman.
Changes and New Features Introduced by Elon Musk on Twitter
As part of the company’s transformation, he used what he called “donation” of money that had been suspended in the past. This move came under heavy criticism from cybersecurity and hate speech experts. Under Musk, the platform restored the accounts of famous people such as former President Donald Trump, who were previously banned by Twitter due to violence in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Additionally, Musk’s Twitter platform reactivated the Georgia Republican Representative’s personal account. Marjorie Taylor Greene and neo-Nazi website founder Andrew Anglin.
In addition, Musk also introduced Twitter’s “blue” verification system, which was previously used to help users including celebrities, elected officials, scientists, authors, business leaders and academics verify real money on public debt. lifted. , professional journalists etc.
In the social network’s current model, users have the option to pay, which gives them a blue registration badge that appears next to their username. Registrants who choose this feature will have their primary registrations in other clients.
Conversely, people who choose not to sign up may find their posts invisible or engage less on the platform. On Monday, Musk reiterated his belief that converting users into paying customers would create problems and financial constraints on deploying automated bots on the platform.
Currently, X is in the process of obtaining a business license. Exchange organizations in the United States. Public records show the company is licensed to do so in eight states.
Conclusion
Elon Musk discussed Twitter (now X) plans with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and signaled a monthly fee to combat bots. It revealed that X has 550 million users but did not specify the exact number.
In the speech, which is of central importance in terms of intelligence and regulatory risk, allegations of turning a blind eye to hate speech were also touched upon. Musk’s latest actions include threatening major changes to ADL and Twitter, while X is trying to allow money transfers in various US states.
