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Twitter (X) is updating its developer API rules to prohibit apps that incentivize users for posting on the platform, aiming to curb spam.
What's the scoop?
- Policy Shift and Spam Reduction: Twitter has revoked API access from apps rewarding posts, with product lead Nikita Bier noting that "InfoFi" has caused a surge in AI-generated slop and reply spam on Twitter, stating the change will improve user experience once bots stop operating without payments.
- InfoFi Tokens Drop: InfoFi tokens like Kaito and Cookie plummeted after Bier's announcement, the former dropping over 15% and the latter dropping 20%.
- Transition Assistance: Bier offered help to affected developers in moving to platforms like Threads and
Bluesky if their accounts were terminated.
Bankless Take:
Truly the end of an era which, at least for me, very slightly redeems Nikita’s previous moves against CT. The level of bots and spam in our Twitter bubble has really impacted the overall experience of using Twitter, as well as had the counteractive effect of people or bots posting slop in an attempt to earn from InfoFi, which ironically degraded its edge. I have no doubt that platforms like Kaito or Cookie will find some way to pivot and likely have already amassed substantial troves of data they can use to make a successful transition.
We are revising our developer API policies:
— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) January 15, 2026
We will no longer allow apps that reward users for posting on X (aka “infofi”). This has led to a tremendous amount of AI slop & reply spam on the platform.
We have revoked API access from these apps, so your X experience should…
