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.
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I've been using JavaScript more than my native language since birth. I am nowhere and everywhere on the internet.
I build web apps and browser extensions in TypeScript as a web frontend programmer. I released Shadowban Scanner, a tool that detects shadowbans on X, and Restore Link Card, a tool that brings back link cards. Media outlets in Japan and abroad covered both tools. For iGEM 2023, I built the Wiki for Team Japan-United and helped the team win the Grand Prize. On my blog, I cover news about X and social media, test and troubleshoot bugs, and share frontend development insights.
