TechPression

Tag: X

  • Walmart joins Disney and others in the X ad ban

    Walmart joins Disney and others in the X ad ban

    Walmart, the biggest store in the US, has stopped taking ads on the platform X, which Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, owns.

    A report from Bloomberg says that this decision is a break from X after Musk’s recent negative comments about the platform. Walmart is the first big company to say it no longer supports it. 

    Reports say that Walmart has decided to stop advertising on X because it prefers other platforms that help it connect with its customers better. The store has an “abandoned cart” on the X platform, just like Disney, IBM, Sony, and other companies. 

    Read also: Ubisoft suspends X advertising on allegations of antisemitism

    What Walmart said 

    A Walmart spokeswoman said, “We’re not advertising on X because we’ve found other ways to reach our customers better.”

    She wouldn’t say when the change would happen or why it was made. 

    Walmart “has a wonderful community” of more than 1 million followers on X, according to an email from Joe Benarroch, X’s head of business operations. Most of the people who use the site do their shopping online.

    Walmart did not directly link its decision to Musk’s comments, but it follows a trend of companies pulling their ads from X. After Musk agreed with a hateful tweet two weeks ago, Disney, Sony, and IBM left the platform. 

    Walmart’s departure from X coincides with Musk’s heated DealBook Summit interview with the New York Times. 

    Musk called his endorsement of the discriminatory tweet “one of the most foolish things” on the platform in the interview. Musk apologised after accusing departing advertisers of trying to “blackmail” him with money, dismissing Disney and other advertisers who left the platform.

    Musk’s X business implications 

    This new information adds to the problems that X has been having since Musk bought the platform, which used to be called Twitter, for a massive $44 billion last year. Since then, many advertisers have left the platform.

    Advertising is what X makes most of its money, and Musk himself admitted in September that the fallout from his controversial comments has led to a 60% drop in U.S. ad revenue. 

    Additionally, Musk said in the DealBook Summit interview that he was worried that a boycott by advertisers could “kill the company,” he insisted that advertisers would be held responsible worldwide if this happened. 

    As this happens, Walmart’s stock has decreased by just over 1%. The retailer’s share price, on the other hand, has been going up overall, with a 7% rise for the year. 

  • Elon Musk’s X announces two new premium plans 

    Elon Musk’s X announces two new premium plans 

    In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk, the visionary owner of X, has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce two new subscription tiers for the X Premium service. 

    Formerly known as Twitter Blue, this move comes as a part of X’s broader strategy to diversify its revenue streams and cater to a wider audience. In this article, we delve deeper into the details of these new subscription options and the implications for the social media landscape.

    Elon Musk, a renowned entrepreneur with a track record of groundbreaking innovations, recently took to X to announce, “Two new tiers of X Premium subscriptions launching soon.” These new tiers are designed to offer users more flexibility and choice, aligning with X’s mission to enhance the overall user experience.

    The first tier, which is set to be available at a lower cost, provides subscribers with access to all the premium features. However, there’s a catch – it includes advertisements. On the other hand, the second tier comes at a slightly higher price point but offers a completely ad-free experience for subscribers. This dual-tier strategy aims to accommodate a broader range of users, catering to both those who can tolerate advertisements and those who prefer an uninterrupted experience.

    Read also: Musk’s X (Twitter) obtains another crypto payment certification

    X’s Strategic Revenue Diversification

    In a bid to boost revenue and find innovative avenues for growth, X has initiated a trial run of a basic subscription plan in New Zealand and the Philippines. This trial plan, priced at an incredibly affordable $1 per year, now requires users to pay for basic features like posting, liking, and reposting that were previously available for free to all users.

    The primary objective behind this new pricing strategy is not solely profit-driven. Instead, X aims to reduce the presence of automated accounts, commonly referred to as bots, on the platform. By introducing a nominal fee, the platform seeks to create a barrier for these bots while maintaining accessibility for genuine users. It’s important to note that there has been no official confirmation regarding the expansion of this $1 plan to other regions.

    The Three-Tiered Premium Subscription Plan

    Linda Yaccarino, the dynamic CEO of X, has been actively engaged in discussions with lenders to formulate a multi-tiered strategy for the Premium subscription. As reported by Bloomberg earlier this week, this premium plan, currently priced at $7.99 or Rs 650 per month, will be restructured into three distinct variations: Basic, Standard, and Plus. The pricing of these tiers will be intricately tied to the frequency of advertisements that users encounter.

    This strategic restructuring aims to widen the user base, making X Premium accessible to a broader audience, including those who may not be inclined to pay the full price for a premium service. The benefits of the X Premium subscription are multifaceted, including prioritized rankings in conversations and search results, reduced ad frequency, the ability to create posts with up to 25,000 characters, and the option to upload high-definition videos at 1080p quality. Moreover, subscribers can edit a post up to five times within an hour or undo it, giving them unprecedented control over their content and conversations.

    Twitter’s X app to support video calls

    The Future of X Premium: A Vision Realized

    Elon Musk’s announcement of two new premium subscription tiers for X Premium represents a pivotal moment in the platform’s journey. This strategic move is in alignment with X’s overarching vision to provide users with a robust and customizable experience. The introduction of a tiered subscription model and the trial run of the basic plan mark the platform’s commitment to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

    With these exciting developments, X is poised to cement its position as a leader in the social media industry. As the platform expands its premium offerings and continues to attract a diverse user base, we can expect a vibrant and engaging future for X Premium. Stay tuned for further updates as X redefines the boundaries of social media with Elon Musk at the helm.

  • Musk denies withdrawing X, (Twitter) network from Europe

    Musk denies withdrawing X, (Twitter) network from Europe

    Elon Musk, the prominent entrepreneur and visionary behind numerous groundbreaking ventures, has recently made headlines regarding his stance on X (formerly Twitter) and its future in Europe. 

    Amidst media rumors, Musk has unequivocally expressed his intention not to withdraw from the European market, despite the controversies surrounding the social network’s compliance with the Digital Services Act. 

    Read also: X/Twitter will remove Circles by Oct. 31

    Musk’s Commitment to Europe

    Contrary to speculations, Elon Musk has firmly stated that he has no intention of withdrawing X from the European Union. This declaration comes in the midst of concerns over the platform’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, which seeks to address issues related to disinformation. Europe, while accounting for only nine percent of X’s global monthly users, remains a significant market. The potential withdrawal from the EU would not only have compliance-related repercussions but could also lead to a substantial decrease in X’s already dwindling user base.

    X, in response to the ongoing challenges it faces, including the issue of spam and bots, has initiated a pilot program. Under this program, new account holders will be required to pay a modest annual fee of $1 to post content. The primary aim of this initiative is to curb the rampant proliferation of spam bots that often disrupt the user experience on the platform. By introducing a subscription fee, X hopes to enhance the quality of interactions and content on its platform.

    Tesla’s Cybertruck: Musk’s Realistic Outlook

    Elon Musk, known for his involvement in the electric vehicle industry, has expressed a measured perspective on Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck. While the Cybertruck has garnered significant attention and anticipation, Musk acknowledges the numerous challenges that lie ahead for the vehicle’s production and release. It’s a candid acknowledgment of the complexities involved in bringing innovative automotive technology to market.

    Elon Musk’s Concerns About the Interest Rate Environment

    During a recent earnings call, Elon Musk voiced his concerns about the current high-interest rate environment and its potential impact on car buyers and the broader economy. As the CEO of Tesla, Musk’s insights into economic factors hold weight and can provide valuable perspectives on how interest rates may influence consumer behavior and the automotive industry.

    The Declining Usage of X

    Despite Elon Musk’s assurances and efforts to address challenges, new data suggests that X’s usage is on a declining trajectory. This decline is a concern, given recent claims of usage increases. Analyzing the underlying reasons for this trend and how X intends to counteract it is vital to understanding the platform’s future.

    Elon Musk’s recent statements and actions regarding X’s presence in Europe, spam and bot issues, the Cybertruck, interest rates, and usage trends are of significant relevance in the digital landscape. As Musk continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation and business, his words and actions have far-reaching consequences. It remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of X and other ventures led by this visionary entrepreneur.

    Twitter introduces custom likes, Hashmoji, Hashfetti

    What is the Digital Services Act?

    The Digital Services Act is a new regulation in the European Union that aims to update and harmonize the rules for online intermediary services, such as social media platforms, online marketplaces, and hosting providers. The Digital Services Act was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in October 2022 and will enter into force in January 2024

    The main objectives of the Digital Services Act are to:

    Protect the rights and safety of users online by imposing obligations on intermediaries to remove illegal content, ensure transparency of online advertising, and combat online disinformation.

    Ensure a fair and open digital market by preventing large online platforms from abusing their dominant position, imposing fines for non-compliance, and creating a new cooperation mechanism between national authorities and the European Commission.

    Foster innovation and growth by creating a single set of rules for the whole EU, reducing legal fragmentation and uncertainty, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises

    The Digital Services Act applies to all providers of intermediary services that offer their services in the EU, regardless of where they are established. The obligations of different online players match their role, size and impact in the online ecosystem. For example, very large online platforms (those reaching more than 10% of the EU population) have to comply with additional rules, such as conducting risk assessments, appointing compliance officers, and setting up independent audits.

  • X Introduces Government ID-Based Account Verification for premium users 

    X Introduces Government ID-Based Account Verification for premium users 

    In a bold move aimed at combating impersonation and enhancing user security, X, the platform known as Twitter, has unveiled a groundbreaking feature for its paid users – Government ID-Based Account Verification. 

    This initiative is designed to fortify the platform’s user authentication process and enhance online safety, but it comes with certain limitations, including its availability only in select countries and concerns regarding user privacy.

    The new government ID-based verification service is accessible in multiple countries; however, it conspicuously excludes regions such as the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the United Kingdom. This omission appears to be a response to the stringent data protection regulations governing these areas. While this approach might ensure compliance with privacy laws, it also raises questions about regional disparities in user security.

    Read also: Hackers steal $690k from Vitalik Buterin’s followers on X (Twitter)

    Beyond Verification: Age-Gating and Enhanced Safety

    While the immediate benefits of this ID-based verification process may seem limited, X has hinted at its broader objectives. The platform aims to utilize age information obtained from government IDs to age-gate certain content. This move is in line with a growing emphasis on age-appropriate content online, but it also raises concerns about potential overreach and censorship.

    Additionally, the company is exploring measures to ensure access to age-appropriate content and to combat spam and malicious accounts. This holistic approach aims to preserve the platform’s integrity and foster healthy online conversations, but it also underscores the increasing challenges of moderating online spaces.

    User Visibility and Perks

    Users who successfully complete the verification process will have a note indicating “government ID verified” displayed on their profiles. However, this information will only be visible to others upon clicking the blue checkmark on the verified user’s profile page. Furthermore, X has promised “prioritized support from X Services” for ID-verified users, though the specifics of this advantage remain somewhat unclear. The nature of this “prioritized support” raises questions about potential disparities in user experience based on verification status.

    User Control: Hiding Verification Checkmarks

    In an interesting twist, X has recently introduced an option for paid users to hide their verification checkmarks from their profiles. This feature acknowledges the evolving dynamics of online identity and user preferences. Looking ahead, the company intends to expedite the checkmark review process for users who verify their IDs, allowing them more flexibility to change their names, usernames, or profile photos without sacrificing their verified status.

    Questions Regarding Accessibility and Impersonation

    It is crucial to note that X’s ID-based verification is currently limited to paid users, which has raised questions about the platform’s commitment to reducing impersonation and spam for all its users. The move follows Twitter’s discontinuation of its legacy verification program earlier this year, resulting in the removal of checkmarks from numerous accounts. After considerable confusion and backlash, the company eventually reinstated checkmarks for select prominent accounts.

    This distinction between paid and non-paid users in the verification process begs the question of equitable access to security features, especially for users who may not be able to afford a premium subscription.

    Privacy Implications and Data Collection

    In tandem with this verification initiative, X has modified its privacy policy to explicitly state its capability to collect users’ biometric data, educational background, and employment history. X asserts that this data collection will facilitate the linking of accounts to real individuals by processing their government-issued IDs, thereby strengthening its ability to counter impersonation attempts and enhance platform security.

    To implement this ambitious identity verification system, X has partnered with the Israel-based company Au10tix, known for its cutting-edge identity verification solutions. When users opt for ID verification, a pop-up message informs them that Au10tix might store their data for a maximum of 30 days, raising potential privacy concerns. The partnership with Au10tix raises questions about the stewardship of user data and the potential risks associated with third-party collaborations.

     

    Balancing Trust, Safety, and Privacy

    The introduction of government ID-based verification represents a significant stride for X as it strives to establish and maintain user trust, safety, and authenticity on its platform. However, as this new feature unfolds, questions about privacy, regional disparities, and the equitable distribution of verification tools to all users linger. The future of X’s approach to user verification will undoubtedly shape the online landscape and influence discussions around user privacy and security. Stay tuned for further developments in this evolving narrative.

  • Twitter rebrands, increases income despite 4% weekly user loss

    Twitter rebrands, increases income despite 4% weekly user loss

    Elon Musk’s sudden rebranding of Twitter as X got much attention and led to some exciting results. A study shows that the number of downloads of X went down after it changed its name.

    Sensor Tower, a company that analyzes apps, found a complicated situation involving user interaction, income, and how X, which used to be Twitter, works.

    Read also: Musk admits X ‘may fail’ after malfunction deletes Twitter pics

    Changes in user engagement and download

    With all the drama surrounding X’s renaming, downloads may drop significantly. This seemed to be true because a Thread post by Eric Seufert showed that since the app was renamed to X, its place in the Top Downloaded chart on both platforms had dropped sharply.

    Also, X’s app fell from third to 36th place in the overall category rankings, which shows how complicated the rebranding reaction was. This could also have been caused by the Threads app on Instagram.

    Also, Sensor Tower’s study of the time after the rebranding, from August 6 to August 20, shows that the number of weekly active users dropped by 4%.

    But the site did not die because of the drop. Even though people were worried that the X rebranding would hurt the brand’s value, sales went up by about 25% from August 6 to August 20, mainly because iOS sales went up by 24%.

    This unexpected rise in sales goes against the idea that brand value is decreasing. It shows that X was able to keep or maybe even get more of its core users.

    Consumer Behaviour and Confusion

    After the rebranding process and the name change, the changes were noticeable, and the number of users for the new Twitter/X app went down.

    However, it caused a significant rise in the number of people installing Twitter Lite during the first week after the change. The study showed that the number of installations of Twitter Lite increased by 350% in the first week after Twitter changed its name.

    Installs for Twitter/X went down on both iOS and Android by 22% and 18%, respectively. The Twitter community of apps grew by 11% due to this increase in Twitter Lite and X downloads.

    How Twitter Ad revenue sharing works

    How it affects competitors and the app ecosystem

    The study says that the rebranding of X affected competitors and platforms that are similar to it. X had a significant effect on Instagram threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon.

    Threads’ downloads dropped by 70% in the first week after it changed its name, while Bluesky and Mastodon saw the opposite.

    Bluesky said that the number of downloads went up by 180%, which shows that users are moving away from the newly renamed X. Mastodon’s slight 15% increase showed the same trend but on a smaller scale.

    This comeback happened at the same time that new features, like a chronological list, were added. On the other hand, Bluesky and Mastodon had fewer downloads, which shows how user tastes change over time.

    In conclusion, the resonance of the name “Twitter” continues to be strong within the app store landscape despite the confusion the rebranding has caused among consumers.

    The number of people downloading Twitter Lite increased by 50% compared to the previous period.

    This shows that it can keep people from installing the newly renamed X, which shows how strong the Twitter brand is.

  • Elon Musk restores Kanye West’s Twitter account

    Elon Musk restores Kanye West’s Twitter account

    X, formerly Twitter, has restored Kanye West’s Twitter account after eight months. 

    Rapper and businessman Kanye West is the ex-husband of Kim Kardashian, one of the most famous individuals in the US. After posting a Swastika with the Star of David, he was suspended.

    Kanye West violated site rules by tweeting and posting photographs. 

    He was supposedly suspended for encouraging a policy breach. The rapper may have been punished for posting an ugly photo of Elon Musk. The artist was prohibited on other grounds, according to X CEO Elon. 

    Kanye West hasn’t posted anything since his account was unbanned, and sources say that was because he promised not to post any more discriminatory or racist information.

    Read also: X insists advertisers must spend $1,000 per month or risk losing verification status

    Is Kanye West’s X account the first to be reinstated?

    Since Musk became CEO of X, he has made some controversial decisions about restoring certain accounts and sharing them on the platform.

    On the list are former US President Donald Trump, influential person Andrew Tate, who was also kicked off the site for making sexist comments, and American scholar Jordan Peterson.

    X temporarily or permanently deletes accounts from its social networking service. But when popular accounts are shut down, the news usually covers it. Users who are banned from Twitter because they are thought to have broken Twitter’s rules aren’t always told which of their tweets caused the ban.

    After Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022, it was said that the company planned to stop using permanent suspensions. Musk said in November 2022 that accounts that take part in impersonation, hate speech, and other bad things without a “clear” parody label would be shut down without warning.

    Musk gave the platform the power to decide how to moderate material in November 2022. This meant that journalists like Andy Ngo could report anti-fascist accounts directly to Musk. A group that provides armed security for LGBT events, accounts that make fun of Elon Musk, and a Palestinian news site that is known for criticizing the Israeli military were all suspended.

    Since X made its rules and policies, quite a few of its users’ accounts have been in trouble. Dominick McGee’s account, which had been taken away because he tweeted a picture of child abuse, was recently brought back online. However, this led to arguments.

    Twitter, now X; display will soon default to dark mode

    How can you get kicked off of X?

    At the beginning of this year, X made it clear that a user’s account will only be banned if they break the rules or keep breaking the rules even after the platform tells them not to. Also, if a person is permanently banned, they won’t be able to make any new content.

  • X insists advertisers must spend $1,000 per month or risk losing verification status

    X insists advertisers must spend $1,000 per month or risk losing verification status

    Twitter is proactively courting advertisers in the midst of its rebranding to X.

    The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing an email sent to advertisers that it has seen, that starting on August 7, the platform, now named X, would remove firms’ gold check mark verification if they haven’t spent at least $1,000 on advertisements in the preceding 30 days or $6,000 in the previous 180 days.

    Verified business accounts on Twitter are distinguished with a gold checkmark, which was introduced during the Twitter Blue redesign in December.

    Read also: Twitter, now X; display will soon default to dark mode

    The Twitter checkmark is said to cost companies $1,000 per month, but Twitter has apparently eliminated the price for its 500 largest advertising customers and the 10,000 most-followed corporate, brand, and organisation accounts.

    The impending regulation is perceived to be a response to a decline in ad income on the social media platform, as recent reports indicated a precipitous decline of 50% in Twitter’s revenue.

    The Wall Street Journal reports that the company’s newest revenue-generating approach involves requiring verified firms to spend at least $1,000 per month on advertising in order to keep their position as verified users.

    Musk, in response to a tweet about a story in The Wall Street Journal, explains that the “moderately high” fee is a precautionary measure meant to prevent scammers from registering “millions of accounts” on the site.

    Musk added that instead, businesses might pay $1,000 monthly for the company’s verified organization badge. Since advertising is Twitter’s primary source of income, it’s no surprise that the firm is trying to increase costs.

    Elon Musk’s new Twitter logo, X stands for everything

    Is this disruptive for small companies?

    The Wall Street Journal also claims that Twitter has reduced the cost of certain advertising spots on its platform. For brand-new bookings made between now and July 31st, for instance, Twitter is offering a 50% discount. Advertisers may “gain reach during crucial moments,” the company says, by taking advantage of these price reductions during events like sporting events.

    Larger companies will certainly have little to no issues with the $1,000 monthly fee, but the new policy might be disruptive to smaller companies that can’t afford the increase. 

  • Twitter, now X; display will soon default to dark mode

    Twitter, now X; display will soon default to dark mode

    Recent weeks have seen a slew of modifications to Twitter right from the directive of the CEO, Elon Musk.

    Just after announcing that the platform is rebranding to X, Musk weighed in on the light mode versus dark mode debate — and revealed that the platform will soon only have ‘dark mode’

    Yesterday, Musk posted that “this platform will soon only have ‘dark mode’. It is better in every way.”

    Read also: Elon Musk’s new Twitter logo, X stands for everything

    Twitter currently offers a few different background options based on a user’s individual preference: there’s light mode, a “dim” setting with a dark blue / gray background, and “lights out” that’s full-on black.

    This announcement piqued the interest of the users, with some replying with unusual responses. While some users like the idea of “default black mode”, several other users are making the case that light text on black can be harder to read. Many are asking Twitter to preserve a light mode option even if it switches to dark mode as the default for X’s new design identity.

    Taking some users’ request into consideration, Musk finally decided to keep the ‘light mode’ but mentioned that ‘dim’ would be deleted.