---
title: X cracks down on engagement-farming AI slop with API reply limits
url: https://roboin.io/article/en/2026/02/24/x-limits-api-based-automated-replies-to-combat-engagement-farming/
description: X has announced it restricts reply feature within the X API v2 due
  to a severe spam problem caused by low-quality and auto-generated content,
  often produced by LLMs (text generation AI like ChatGPT).
publishedDate: 2026-02-24T09:06:03.936Z
modifiedDate: 2026-02-24T09:06:03.936Z
thumbnail: https://roboin.io/api/media/file/unsplash-robot.jpg
thumbnailAlt: 緑色のロボットが膝の上にノートパソコンを載せた状態で座っている画像
thumbnailCaption: N/A
---

# X cracks down on engagement-farming AI slop with API reply limits

X has announced it restricts reply feature within the X API v2 due to a severe spam problem caused by low-quality and auto-generated content, often produced by LLMs (text generation AI like ChatGPT).

Generally, when using X from an automated program, a mechanism called an API is employed, which facilitates interaction with X from the program.

The API is officially provided by X and is used for legitimate purposes, but it has also been exploited to post low-quality and auto-generated content using LLMs.

X points out that the API's reply function has been widely used to insert such spam into conversations, threatening the quality of discussions on X.

Indeed, so-called "engagement farmers" or "AI slop"—accounts that mass-post unnatural or low-quality replies to others' posts to artificially boost impressions and engagement—have become a recognized problem among many users.

In response to this spam, X has announced it restricts replies via the API.

Replies from the API will only be allowed if one of the following conditions is met; otherwise, the request will be blocked:

- The original author mentions the user or account attempting to reply via API in their post.
- The original author quotes a post from the user or account attempting to reply via API.

In other words, API-based replies will only be available when replying to a post that mentions your account or when replying to a quote repost of your own post.

Please note that these restrictions apply only to the self-serve tiers: legacy Free, Basic, and Pro subscriptions, and the Pay-per-use packages, and do not apply to Enterprise access levels.

The API can still be used as before for creating regular posts (not replies) or when using Enterprise access.

X encourages users with use cases requiring replies without mentions or quotes, such as advanced moderation, customerr service at scale, or other high-volume interactions, to consider upgrading to Enterprise access.

## Reference

- [Update to Reply Behavior in X API v2 – Restricting Programmatic Replies - Announcements - X Developers](https://devcommunity.x.com/t/update-to-reply-behavior-in-x-api-v2-restricting-programmatic-replies/257909)