X Removes 1.7 Million Bots in Major Platform Cleanup
X (formerly Twitter) has purged 1.7 million bot accounts responsible for reply spam, with direct message (DM) spam targeted next, according to product head Nikita Bier.
Key Takeaways
- X removed 1.7 million bots engaged in reply spam
- DM spam is the next focus area for cleanup
- This is one of the largest purges since Elon Musk’s 2022 acquisition
- New link-sharing tests announced for equal content visibility
In a post on the platform, Bier stated:
“This week we purged 1.7 million bots engaging in reply spam. You should start noticing improvements in the coming days. We will be focusing on DM spam next.”
How X Identified the Bots
While the company hasn’t revealed its exact detection methods, reports indicate X used automated tools and behavioral analysis to identify spam patterns. This massive cleanup addresses ongoing criticism about fake accounts and spam bots that have plagued user conversations since Musk’s takeover.
Upcoming Platform Changes
In a separate announcement, Bier revealed X will test new link-sharing approaches next week to ensure “all content on the platform has equal visibility on Timeline.”
The move follows Elon Musk’s earlier hints about changing how external links appear, aiming to keep users more engaged within X. The tests may involve layout adjustments, algorithmic changes, or new display methods for posts with embedded links as the platform continues evolving its content distribution strategy.
