To prevent applications that encourage users to post on the platform, in order to reduce spam.
What are the key details?
- Policy change and reducing spam: Twitter has revoked API access for applications that reward posting, with product head Nikita Bier stating that "InfoFi" caused a massive increase in low-quality AI-generated content (AI slop) and spammy replies on Twitter, noting that this change will improve the user experience once bots stop operating without batches.
- Decline in InfoFi token prices: InfoFi tokens like Kaito and Cookie dropped sharply after the Bier announcement, with the first falling over 15% and the second by 20%.
- Assistance with transition: Bier offered help to affected developers in moving to platforms like Threads and Bluesky if their accounts were terminated.
Bankless opinion:
This is truly the end of an era, which - at least for me - somewhat rehabilitates some of Nikita's previous steps against Crypto Twitter. The level of bots and spam in our Twitter bubble has had a real impact on the overall platform experience, leading to a reverse effect where people or bots post low-quality (slop) content trying to profit from InfoFi, ironically weakening its value. I have no doubt that platforms like Kaito or Cookie will find a way to adapt, and perhaps they've already gathered massive amounts of data they can use for a successful transition.
> We are reviewing API policies for developers:
> We will no longer allow apps that reward users for posting on X (known as “infofi”). This led to a massive amount of AI slop and spam replies on the platform.
> We have disabled API access for these apps, so your X experience should improve...