X pulls the ability to like and follow from its developer API’s free tier

In an effort to cut down on abuse and fake engagement, Elon Musk’s X is removing access to two key features of its developer API for those on the free plan. Now, free users will no longer be able to use the API to like posts on behalf of a user, nor follow other users.

The company says these changes will help protect X’s platform from “spam, bots, and manipulative activities” that degrade the user experience.

Developers on paid plans like the Basic, Pro, or Enterprise tiers will be unaffected. These plans also include access to more capabilities, higher rate limits, and support for a broader range of features.

While restricting access to some of the most common actions on X could help cut down on programmatic abuse, it could also push developers with legitimate businesses or projects who want to continue to move toward paid plans.

X has made a number of significant changes to its API platform under Musk, initially ending free access with little developer warning, then later changing its mind to support some free usage. When its new API pricing arrived in spring 2023, it was clear the company had revenue generation in mind, as its most bare-bones, basic plan would do little more than support those that were offering “good bots,” — that is, automated accounts that provided useful information, like weather alerts.

Last October, X increased the prices for its basic tier as well, from $100 to $200 per month, and added higher limits.