According to Variety, Elon Musk is contemplating the introduction of a user fee for individuals using the Twitter/X app. Reports suggest that Musk engaged in a lengthy conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, during which he discussed potential new features for the platform. Bloomberg’s Dave Lee shared this development on his X account, stating, “Elon Musk revisiting an idea apparently floated privately in the past — charging everyone to use Twitter. A lower tier than premium. ‘We’re moving to a small monthly payment for use of the X system,’ he just told Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it’s the only way to stamp out bots.”
As of now, X’s subscription program, formerly known as Twitter Blue but now referred to as X Blue, is priced at $8 per month, granting users access to a coveted blue checkmark.
In a recent announcement, Musk unveiled that audio and video calls will soon be integrated into the platform. Musk provided some details about the feature, stating that it will be compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and PC, and no phone number will be required. “Video & audio calls coming to X: – Works on iOS, Android, Mac & PC – No phone number needed – X is the effective global address book,” the tweet read. While Musk did not specify a launch date for the feature, he assured users that it is “coming.”
The recent changes on the app have left many users perplexed and some disgruntled about the platform’s evolving nature. Several celebrities, including Dionne Warwick, have voiced their opinions on Elon Musk’s alterations. Warwick reacted to the news of Musk removing the blocking feature from the app, expressing her desire for a conversation with him. “I have yet to speak to that young man and I intend to because I am not quite sure what he’s doing or if he knows what he’s doing,” Warwick, 82, remarked. She emphasized the importance of understanding Musk’s true intentions regarding freedom of speech and urged for a balanced approach to prevent it from spiraling out of control.