Elon Musk’s X Limits Free API Access for Post Liking and Following to Curb Abuse

In an attempt to combat abuse and maintain authentic user interactions, Elon Musk’s company is modifying its developer API. Under this change, users on the free plan will no longer be able to use the API to perform actions like liking posts or following other users on behalf of a user account.

The company asserts that these restrictions are aimed at safeguarding its platform from spam, bots, and manipulative activities that negatively impact user experience. It’s important to note that this adjustment will not affect developers subscribed to premium plans such as Basic, Pro, or Enterprise. These plans offer additional capabilities, higher rate limits, and support for a broader range of features.

While limiting access to common actions may help deter programmatic abuse, it could potentially drive developers with legitimate businesses or projects towards paid plans, potentially increasing costs for them.

Since taking over, the company has implemented several changes to its API platform. Initially, it ceased free access without adequate notice to developers. Later, it reversed this decision and allowed for some level of free usage. With the introduction of its new API pricing in spring 2023, it became clear that revenue generation was a key focus, as even the most basic plan would primarily support automated accounts providing valuable information such as weather alerts.

Last October, the company increased the monthly fee for its basic tier from $100 to $200 and also raised some limits.

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