X pulls the ability to like and follow from its developer API’s free tier

In an effort to cut down on abuse and fake engagement, Elon Musk’s X is removing access to two key features of its developer API for those on the free plan. Now, free users will no longer be able to use the API to like posts on behalf of a user, nor follow other users.

The company says these changes will help protect X’s platform from “spam, bots, and manipulative activities” that degrade the user experience.

Developers on paid plans like the Basic, Pro, or Enterprise tiers will be unaffected. These plans also include access to more…