Story Highlights
- CZ pushes Musk to stop API publishing to curb bot-driven scams.
- AI bots on X mimic crypto figures and promote phishing links.
- Musk’s previous efforts have failed, since bogus accounts continue to dominate X’s traffic.
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has called on Elon Musk to turn off API posting on X, citing that automated accounts are a primary source of spam, scams, and impersonations within the crypto space. CZ suggested that users copy and paste tweets generated by AI manually rather than permitting automated posting. He emphasized that he wishes to interact with actual users, differentiating between malicious bots and AI assistants performing useful tasks such as booking hotels or coding.
Bot accounts have been an issue on X for a long time, particularly with cryptocurrencies. Scammers use bot accounts to impersonate industry leaders, post phishing links, and engage in crypto market manipulation. CZ himself has also been victimized by fake accounts, issuing repeated warnings to users to check profiles before interacting.
Crypto Bots Flood X Despite Musk’s Anti-Spam Efforts
Musk has been vocal in getting rid of bots but has not been able to contain their power. He had earlier estimated that bots accounted for 20% to 90% of Twitter’s traffic prior to his takeover, Bloomberg reported. A 2023 cybersecurity report by CHEQ discovered that most of X’s traffic was bogus, indicating the extent of the problem.
Though Musk has tried, bot networks do not seem to cease. AI-managed accounts now control X, propagating fake schemes as diverse as cryptocurrency scams and romance scams. Bots even get verified using X’s paid subscription system, which makes them look more authentic.
Musk previously suggested introducing a small fee per post to discourage bots, but the proposal was met with universal criticism. Scam accounts continue to be common, however, putting X users, particularly those in crypto, are vulnerable to fraud. As bot-spread misinformation continues to grow as a concern, CZ’s appeal to limit API posting could bring renewed debate about how to protect the platform.
As crypto users continue to log cases of bot-facilitated fraud, the world looks on to Musk to determine if he will apply CZ’s suggested controls and more vigorously move to secure the platform.
