In a bid to combat data scraping and system manipulation on its platform, Twitter has taken significant steps by implementing restrictions on the number of tweets that various accounts can read per day. These measures come amid growing concerns over the misuse of Twitter data and the influence of AI companies in training large language models.
Initially, Twitter set different reading limits for verified and unverified accounts. Verified accounts were allowed to peruse up to 6,000 posts per day, while unverified accounts had a limit of 600 posts per day. New unverified accounts faced even stricter restrictions with a daily limit of 300 posts.
However, in response to evolving challenges and user feedback, Twitter later revised these reading limits. Verified users now enjoy an increased daily limit of 10,000 posts, granting them more freedom to engage with content on the platform. Meanwhile, unverified users saw their reading limit rise to 1,000 posts per day, allowing for greater access to tweets. New unverified users also received a boost, with a new daily reading limit of 500 posts.
Twitter’s decision to implement these reading limits has not come without controversy. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to Twitter to express his views on the matter. He referred to the recent announcement as a “temporary emergency measure,” suggesting that he believes the restrictions are an immediate response to a pressing issue.
Musk’s criticism extended beyond just Twitter’s new reading limits. He specifically called out AI companies like OpenAI for their use of Twitter data in training large language models. This raises concerns about how user data is being utilized by third-party entities and underscores the importance of safeguarding user privacy and data protection.
Adding to Twitter’s recent challenges, the platform experienced a disruptive event on Saturday morning, with nearly 7,500 users reporting issues accessing the site. While Twitter has not released an official statement regarding the cause of the disruption, it has undoubtedly added to the urgency of addressing potential security risks and ensuring a stable user experience.
In an effort to regain advertisers who may have left the platform during recent controversies and to increase subscription revenue, Twitter has introduced the Twitter Blue program. This initiative includes verification checkmarks, providing users with increased visibility and credibility, potentially enticing businesses and individuals to invest in premium features and subscriptions.