Posting Crypto on X for the First Time? You Might Hit the “Kill Switch”
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, plans to automatically lock accounts that post about cryptocurrency for the first time. The feature aims to curb a surge in phishing attacks using hijacked accounts to promote crypto scams. Singapore Summit: Meet the largest APAC brokers you know (and those you still don't!) Head of Product Nikita Bier confirmed the move, saying the company is implementing “auto-locking and verification” for users who mention crypto for the first time. Those accounts will remain locked until verification is complete. “This should kill 99% of the incentive,” Bier said, noting that many hackers target accounts mainly to spread fraudulent crypto schemes. Yeah we’re aware.We are in the process of implementing auto-locking + verification if a user posts about cryptocurrency for the first time in the history of their account.This should kill 99% of the incentive, especially since Google isn’t doing shit to stop the phishing… — Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 1, 2026 Response to Rising Phishing Attacks The change follows a wave of attacks that use fake copyright violation emails to trick users into revealing login and two-factor authentication details. Stolen accounts are then used to promote fraudulent projects, tokens, or giveaways. Earlier, Bier stressed that he “genuinely want(s) crypto to proliferate on X,” but drew a hard line against products that “create incentives to spam, raid, and harass,” saying they worsen the experience for millions of users while benefiting only a small group of promoters. He framed the company’s latest safeguards as
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, is set to implement a new security measure that will automatically lock accounts posting about cryptocurrency for the first time. This move comes as the company seeks to curb a surge in phishing attacks that exploit hijacked accounts to promote crypto scams. Head of Product Nikita Bier confirmed the decision, stating that the platform will enforce "auto-locking and verification" for users who mention cryptocurrency for the first time in their account history. These accounts will remain locked until the verification process is completed.
Bier explained that this measure is designed to "kill 99% of the incentive" for hackers, who often target accounts primarily to spread fraudulent crypto schemes. He acknowledged that many scammers rely on stolen accounts to promote dubious projects, tokens, or giveaways. The initiative follows a wave of attacks that use fake copyright violation emails to trick users into revealing login and two-factor authentication details.
Despite the move, Bier emphasized his genuine desire for crypto to proliferate on X. However, he drew a clear line against products that "create incentives to spam, raid, and harass," arguing that such activities harm the platform's user experience while benefiting only a small group of promoters. Bier framed the company's latest safeguards as an attempt to preserve X as a viable home for legitimate crypto activity without allowing growth tools to become a subsidy for coordinated abuse.
The decision to implement auto-locking and verification is part of X's broader efforts to combat the "bot crisis" plaguing the platform. Analysts have described this issue as a mounting threat, with AI-driven scam accounts exploiting X's recommendation algorithms to push fraudulent content. While the platform's new measures aim to protect users and deter scammers, they also highlight the ongoing challenges faced by social media giants in balancing the growth of emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies with the need to maintain a safe and secure environment for all users.
In response to the rising concerns over crypto fraud, the UK government has recently prioritized the issue, with £14 billion in losses spurring a new strategy to combat the problem. As X takes steps to safeguard its platform, the broader crypto ecosystem continues to grapple with the challenges posed by fraud and scams. The platform's decision to enforce stricter verification for new crypto posters underscores the need for collaboration between social media companies, regulators, and the crypto community to ensure a secure and transparent digital landscape.
In summary, X's implementation of auto-locking and verification for new crypto posters represents a significant step in the platform's ongoing battle against phishing attacks and fraudulent activities. While the move may initially hinder legitimate crypto engagement, it is a necessary measure to protect users and maintain the integrity of the platform. As the crypto space continues to evolve, the collaboration between social media companies, regulators, and the community will be crucial in addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
