Elon Musk says Twitter API will be free but only for bots making “good content”

Shortly after Twitter said it will start charging builders to make use of its API, firm CEO Elon Musk is now considerably reneging on that call. Over the weekend, Musk tweeted that after responding to some suggestions (opens in new tab), Twitter will provide a brand new “light, write-only API for bots” as long as they supply “good content that is free”. 

The unique plan was to cost customers about $100 a month to make use of the API, allegedly to cease “bot scammers and opinion manipulators” from abusing the software program (and presumably make some cash to repay the platform’s large money owed). In response, there was a large outcry from customers who stated the brand new guidelines would kill plenty of helpful bots and enjoyable, gimmick accounts as a result of costly prices, as a lot as $3,400 a 12 months, in response to one developer. (opens in new tab)

Who is aware of how this newest Twitter saga will ultimately prove, as plenty of issues concerning the platform stays unsettled at this level. But, if Musk stands by this new choice, your favourite gimmick Twitter account could proceed to stay on, and it may be all due to Pepito the Cat.

Good content material

Among all of the suggestions from this API debacle, the only put up Musk responded to straight is one from @PepitoTheCat (opens in new tab). The individual operating the account argued that the brand new guidelines may kill it, mentioning its place in Twitter historical past (having joined over a decade in the past) and that it posts “quality content with great engagement.” 

Although the content material in query is nothing greater than the titular Pepito getting into and exiting his home by a little bit cat door, it seems to have been sufficient to make Musk suppose twice concerning the rule change. Additionally, the impulsive CEO hints at giving verified Twitter customers entry to the API for “good content” much like @PepitoTheCat, but doesn’t clarify additional.

While it might appear a little bit foolish to focus a lot on a gimmick account, it calls into query what Musk considers to be “good content” in his eyes. The incontrovertible fact that he responded on to @PepitoTheCat and not a developer agonizing (opens in new tab) over how the adjustments would destroy analysis and activism tasks on the platform hints at his thought course of. 

It may imply that content material regarding animals or something moderately milquetoast is taken into account good whereas accounts like @ElonJet is unhealthy, regardless of not doing something unlawful. It’s tough to get a learn on something due to how typically Musk flip-flops on Twitter insurance policies. Besides the API, he had the platform banning journalists and hyperlinks to competing social media websites; each situations have been met with an avalanche of backlash.

Tons of questions

There are nonetheless a ton of questions on our minds like what does a “light, write-only API” seem like and the way will it examine to the paid model? It’s nonetheless set to launch on February 9. Also, will the free bots made beneath the brand new guidelines be moderated? This may be a problem because the firm laid off massive parts of its international moderation staff (opens in new tab). 

We’d ask Twitter for clarification, but the platform would not have a method for the press to straight contact them outdoors of straight tweeting at Elon Musk – which we did. If Musk ever does reply, this story will be up to date at a later time.

If you’re nonetheless trying for that social media repair, be positive to verify TechRadar’s record of the finest options to Twitter.