In a move to curb abuse and fake engagement, Elon Musk’s X is restricting access to two key developer API features for free users. Developers on the free tier will no longer be able to use the API to like posts or follow accounts on behalf of users.
X says the decision aims to reduce “spam, bots, and manipulative activities” that disrupt the platform’s integrity. Paid tiers, Basic, Pro, and Enterprise, remain unaffected, offering broader capabilities, higher rate limits, and more robust support.
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The shift follows a series of API changes under Musk’s leadership. In 2023, X ended free access without warning, later restoring limited functionality. By spring of that year, new pricing revealed a stronger focus on revenue, with the cheapest plan offering minimal support for “good bots” like weather alerts. Prices for the basic plan doubled last October, rising from $100 to $200 monthly.
