X Disables Like and Follow Features for Free Developer API Users

To address misuse and enhance user engagement, Elon Musk’s X will be discontinuing access to two key features of its developer API for users on the free tier. Consequently, those on the free plan will no longer be able to like posts on behalf of any accounts or follow other users.

The organization indicates that these changes are meant to protect X’s platform from “spam, bots, and fraudulent activities” that adversely affect user experience.

Developers who subscribe to paid tiers—Basic, Pro, or Enterprise—will remain unaffected by these alterations, as these plans provide extra features, increased rate limits, and enhanced functionalities.

While these restrictions on basic functionalities could help diminish programmatic misuse, they may also compel developers with legitimate businesses or projects to upgrade to paid plans to continue their operations.

Since Musk took over, X has implemented various significant changes to its API platform, starting with the sudden removal of free access without prior notice to developers, followed by a later decision to allow limited free use. The new API pricing structure unveiled in spring 2023 made it clear that the company was prioritizing revenue, with its basic plan primarily intended for “good bots”—automated accounts providing valuable information, like weather updates.

Additionally, in October of the previous year, X increased the monthly fee for its basic plan from $100 to $200 and instituted stricter regulations.

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