In a significant policy update, the X platform has revised its creator ad revenue share program, introducing a new mandatory requirement for all participants: submission of a government-issued ID verification. This move, effective until July, requires participants to complete X’s verification process, which involves taking a selfie and submitting a copy of their government ID for review. This change marks a shift in X’s approach to maintaining the integrity of its ad revenue share program and addressing various challenges that have emerged.

Learn About Mandatory Government ID Verification

X platform has revised its creator ad revenue share program documentation to include a new requirement: all participants must now submit a government-issued ID for verification. As noted, participants in the revenue share program have until July to complete X’s ID verification process, which involves taking a selfie and submitting a copy of a government ID for review.

However, this verification will not be handled by an automated system or by staff at X HQ. Instead, it will be managed by X’s third-party verification partner, Au10tix. X has outsourced its ID verification process to Au10tix, an Israeli company specializing in identity verification. Au10tix has been verifying X user profiles since September last year, providing an additional layer of authenticity for X Premium subscribers.

Premium subscribers are not required to confirm their government ID but have the option to do so. X claims that subscribers who opt for this additional verification will receive “prioritized support from X Services.” This optional verification has been a feature since last year, but until now, it was not a prerequisite for receiving ad payouts through the revenue share program.

Reason for the Change

The introduction of mandatory ID verification for ad revenue share participants likely stems from various issues that have arisen. One major concern could be the presence of far-right influencers and misinformation spreaders earning significant amounts from the program. Additionally, there may be U.S.-sanctioned entities that have been benefiting from the scheme.

The new verification requirement might also aim to reduce the number of spammers and bots that are currently receiving payments based on engagement. By implementing stricter verification measures, X hopes to ensure that only legitimate users benefit from the ad revenue share program.

User Reactions and Concerns

Despite these concerns, many X users will likely be unhappy with this update.

X users often value their anonymity, and providing a government ID will be a significant concern, especially for those with more conspiratorial viewpoints.

Additionally, some X users are uneasy about Au10tix being an Israel-based company, fearing potential misuse of their personal data.

In essence, this update is expected to cause some distress among the more fervent X communities. Nevertheless, some form of ID confirmation for payments is a reasonable measure.