X to Auto-Lock First-Time Crypto Posts to Combat Scams

Social media platform X announced plans this week to automatically lock accounts that post about cryptocurrency for the first time, aiming to disrupt a persistent wave of scams involving hacked profiles. The measure, detailed by X Head of Product Nikita Bier, targets users with no prior crypto-related activity who suddenly promote tokens or related content, requiring identity verification before further posting is allowed.

Bier outlined the initiative in posts on X, responding to reports of recent account takeovers. "We are in the process of implementing autolocking and verification if a user posts about cryptocurrency for the first time in the history of their account," he wrote. He added that the change "should kill 99% of the incentive" for hackers, who often seize control of accounts to exploit their followers' trust for quick financial gains. The feature particularly flags profiles with more than 10,000 followers that pivot abruptly to meme coins or promotions without established crypto ties, which Bier described as a clear sign of compromise.

This rollout addresses a surge in phishing attacks that have plagued X, where scammers use fake emails mimicking copyright notices...