Elon Musk makes Twitter account mandatory to read tweets, Elon Musk has made a significant update to Twitter by removing the ability for people to access the platform without having an account. Previously, Twitter allowed users to browse tweets, and profiles and read threads without needing to log in or sign up. However, on Tuesday, the platform began requiring users to have an account to view any Twitter content.
The change means that non-registered visitors to Twitter.com now see a message that states “An account is required to use Twitter.” Users are prompted to either login or sign up for a new account if they wish to continue. The removal of the ability to surf Twitter while logged out is one of the first major shifts instituted under new owner Elon Musk.
While Musk has not made an official statement confirming the change, it is in line with his stance since acquiring Twitter last month. Musk has emphasized wanting to move away from allowing bots, spam accounts, and anonymous users. Requiring everyone to have a registered account helps advance accountability and reduce abusive automated accounts, according to Musk.
“Ultimately, we want Twitter to be the most accurate source of information about the world. That’s our mission,” Musk said at a company Q&A session. “If somebody is human, you can tell who they are and they stand behind their words.”
Some digital and social media experts see the elimination of public access as a defining moment for Musk’s ownership so far, shifting Twitter to a more closed environment.
“This is a clear signal from Musk that he intends to reduce anonymity and bot accounts that have contributed to Twitter’s problems with trust and civility,” said James Roberts, a professor of social media analytics at UC Berkeley. “However, it also shows Musk is willing to make unpopular moves that could impact user experience and engagement, so it’s a risk.”
While users always had to create accounts to actively post or engage with content, many casual users preferred reading without an account. Removing this ability alters the underlying dynamics of the platform. Some see it as antithetical to Musk’s stated aim of making Twitter the digital town square.
Critics argue inhibiting public access contradicts the principles of free speech that Musk claims to want to uphold on the platform. However, others believe the need for accountability outweighs open access as a principle.
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“There are reasonable arguments on both sides of whether blocking anonymous users helps or hurts free speech,” said David Chen, a media lawyer. “Overall though, Musk seems dedicated to changing the Twitter culture and is willing to make controversial decisions to achieve that.”
The timing of the change also suggests a business strategy, as advertisers have pulled back from Twitter pending policy changes under Musk. Requiring logged-in accounts provides more user data and metrics that Musk can use to show engagement to cautious advertisers.
Twitter engineers had reportedly worked on adding warnings before the account requirement and preventing the platform from trending before this official rollout. The abrupt launch indicates Musk has decisively chosen his direction.
In a tweet after the update went live, Musk wrote “This will help reduce hateful conduct, misinformation, & bots improving accuracy & credibility of content to build trust.” He included a poll asking users if they approved requiring accounts to use Twitter. After one hour, 80% of over 700,000 respondents had voted yes.
When asked about advertisers on Twitter’s Q&A session, Musk said “We’re doing everything we can to gain the trust of our users and advertisers.”
Some privacy advocates have raised concerns over Musk’s approach, arguing users shouldn’t need an account simply to read public tweets. Musk has suggested implementing account verification through ID confirmation or payment methods in the future as well.
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The requirement of logging in or signing up adds a level of friction to accessing Twitter that could impact user growth, according to analysts. But Musk has indicated he prioritizes building a healthier community over simply amassing users.
Only time will tell whether mandatory user accounts cut down on harmful automated accounts and improve the quality of discourse as Musk intends. But the shift unequivocally transforms Twitter from an open web service into a gated social platform overseen by its chief moderator, Elon Musk.
