X is making major changes to its API to prevent access by "InfoFi" crypto projects that seek to incentivize "reply spam," an exec said.
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BitcoinWorld X API Policy Overhaul: The Devastating Ban on InfoFi Reward Apps Reshapes Social Media In a seismic shift for social media economics, X has implemented a sweeping API policy overhaul that fundamentally alters how third-party applications interact with its platform, specifically targeting and banning applications that reward users for posting content—a move that has already sent shockwaves through cryptocurrency markets and developer communities worldwide in early 2025. X API Policy Overhaul Targets InfoFi Ecosystem X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, announced comprehensive API policy changes through Head of Product Nikita Bier. The platform explicitly prohibits so-called “InfoFi” applications—a portmanteau of “Information” and “Finance”—that provide financial incentives for user posts and engagement. Consequently, X has revoked API access for these applications immediately. This strategic decision represents the platform’s most aggressive move against spam and automated content manipulation since Elon Musk’s acquisition. The policy shift follows months of escalating concerns about artificial engagement distorting platform metrics and user experience. Platform executives have documented increasing volumes of low-quality content directly correlated with financial reward mechanisms. Industry analysts note this action aligns with broader platform governance trends toward authentic interaction. Major social networks have gradually restricted automated posting and engagement tools throughout 2024. However, X’s complete prohibition of financially incentivized posting establishes a new precedent for platform policy enforcement. The timing coincides with increased regulatory scrutiny of social media’s role in financial markets and information ecosystems globally. European Union Digital Services Act compliance requirements and United States Federal Trade Commission guidelines have both influenced platform policy development significantly. Immediate Market Impact and Cryptocurrency Reactions The announcement triggered immediate market reactions across the cryptocurrency sector. KAITO, a prominent project within the InfoFi ecosystem, experienced a price plunge exceeding 14% within hours of the policy announcement. Market data from CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap confirms this dramatic decline occurred during peak trading hours. Additionally, CookieDAO (COOKIE) declared it would terminate its “Snaps” service—a feature that measured and rewarded influencer impact using proprietary units. This service shutdown affects thousands of content creators who relied on Snaps for supplemental income. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis reported unusual trading volumes across multiple InfoFi-associated tokens following the announcement. The broader decentralized social media sector experienced correlated declines, though less severe than KAITO’s specific collapse. Market analysts attribute this differential impact to varying degrees of platform dependency among projects. Some InfoFi applications maintained partial functionality through alternative data sources, while others faced complete operational cessation. The table below illustrates initial market reactions: Project/Token Price Change Service Status KAITO -14.3% API access revoked CookieDAO (COOKIE) -8.7% Snaps service termination announced Other InfoFi tokens -3% to -12% Varying impacts Cryptocurrency exchange representatives reported increased sell orders for InfoFi-related assets throughout the trading day. Some exchanges temporarily paused deposits and withdrawals for affected tokens due to volatility concerns. Meanwhile, blockchain developers began discussing migration strategies to alternative platforms with different API policies. Expert Analysis of Platform Strategy Shift Technology policy experts interpret X’s move as part of a strategic reorientation toward sustainable platform economics. Dr. Alicia Chen, professor of digital media at Stanford University, explains, “Platforms face constant tension between engagement growth and quality maintenance. Financial incentives for posting create perverse motivations that ultimately degrade user experience through spam and low-value content.” Her research on platform governance demonstrates that reward-based systems frequently generate short-term engagement spikes followed by long-term quality deterioration. Platform architecture specialists note that API policy represents a fundamental control point for social media ecosystems. By restricting how third-party applications access user data and platform features, X exercises greater control over user experience and monetization pathways. This control becomes increasingly important as platforms develop their own subscription services and advertising products. Historical precedent exists in Facebook’s 2015 API restrictions and Reddit’s 2023 API pricing changes—both aimed at controlling third-party access while developing first-party revenue streams. Technical Implementation and Developer Response X’s technical team implemented the API restrictions through authentication protocol changes and endpoint limitations. The platform updated its developer documentation to reflect prohibited use cases explicitly. Key restrictions include: Posting automation limits: Applications cannot automate posting for financial reward distribution Engagement tracking restrictions: APIs no longer provide granular engagement data for reward calculation User data access controls: Tighter permissions for applications accessing posting behavior patterns Rate limiting enhancements: Reduced API call allowances for applications with posting functionality Developer communities expressed mixed reactions to these changes. Some applauded the potential reduction in spam and automated content. Others criticized the restrictions as limiting innovation in social media monetization. Open-source projects began exploring decentralized alternatives that don’t rely on centralized platform APIs. The decentralized social media protocol Farcaster reported increased developer interest following X’s announcement. Similarly, Bluesky’s AT Protocol saw heightened activity in its developer forums. Affected application developers face significant technical challenges. Many InfoFi applications built their entire architecture around X’s API infrastructure. Migration to alternative data sources requires substantial engineering resources and platform redesign. Some developers have initiated legal consultations regarding API access revocation, though platform terms of service typically provide broad discretion over API access. The economic impact extends beyond cryptocurrency values to developer livelihoods and startup viability. Historical Context and Industry Evolution The InfoFi concept emerged during the 2021-2022 cryptocurrency bull market, combining social media engagement with decentralized finance mechanisms. Early implementations rewarded users for popular posts with cryptocurrency distributions. These systems gained traction among content creators seeking alternative monetization beyond traditional advertising and sponsorship. However, critics consistently warned about sustainability concerns and potential regulatory issues. Social media platforms have historically oscillated between open and restricted API policies. Twitter’s early embrace of third-party applications fueled its initial growth, creating beloved clients like Tweetbot and Twitterific. Subsequent API restrictions in 2012 and 2018 gradually narrowed third-party functionality, prioritizing first-party experience control. X’s current policy continues this trajectory while addressing specific concerns about financialized engagement. The broader industry context includes increasing regulatory attention to social media’s financial dimensions. Securities regulators have scrutinized token distributions tied to social media activity. Consumer protection agencies have examined whether reward systems constitute unregistered securities offerings. X’s policy shift may preempt regulatory action by voluntarily restricting these practices. Platform executives have emphasized user protection and experience quality in official communications, avoiding direct commentary on regulatory considerations. Long-Term Implications for Content Creators Content creators who incorporated InfoFi rewards into their income streams face immediate financial impacts. Many creators diversified across multiple platforms and revenue sources precisely to mitigate platform policy risks. However, some specialized creators focused exclusively on X-based reward systems. These creators must now adapt their strategies rapidly. Platform alternatives offer varying approaches to creator monetization. YouTube’s Partner Program, TikTok’s Creator Fund, and Instagram’s bonus programs provide established alternatives, though with different content requirements and revenue models. Decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed offer different community dynamics without financial reward systems. Creator economy analysts recommend portfolio approaches to platform dependence, avoiding over-reliance on any single revenue stream. The psychological impact on creator communities includes both frustration and cautious optimism. Some creators welcome reduced spam and automated engagement, which they believe devalues authentic content. Others mourn lost income opportunities during economic uncertainty. Platform representatives have hinted at developing alternative monetization features, though without specific timelines or details. This development vacuum creates uncertainty for professional content creators planning their 2025 strategies. Conclusion X’s API policy overhaul represents a pivotal moment in social media platform governance, with its ban on InfoFi applications rewarding users for posts creating immediate market disruption and long-term strategic implications. The policy shift demonstrates platform prioritization of authentic engagement over financially incentivized content creation, affecting cryptocurrency valuations, developer ecosystems, and creator economies simultaneously. As platforms continue balancing openness with control, and innovation with user protection, these policy decisions will shape social media’s evolution throughout 2025 and beyond. The X API policy changes particularly highlight the tension between decentralized financial innovation and centralized platform governance in today’s digital landscape. FAQs Q1: What exactly are InfoFi applications that X has banned? InfoFi applications combine information sharing with financial incentives, specifically rewarding users with cryptocurrency or tokens for creating posts, generating engagement, or achieving other metrics on social media platforms. Q2: Why did X decide to ban these applications now? X cited spam reduction and user experience protection as primary motivations, aligning with broader platform efforts to combat automated content manipulation and maintain authentic interactions amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of social media’s financial dimensions. Q3: How have cryptocurrency markets reacted to this policy change? Markets reacted immediately, with KAITO plunging over 14% and other InfoFi-related tokens declining 3-12%. CookieDAO announced termination of its Snaps service, demonstrating the policy’s direct economic impact on specific projects. Q4: Can developers create alternative applications that bypass these restrictions? Developers face significant technical hurdles as X implemented authentication and endpoint restrictions at the API level. Some developers are exploring decentralized alternatives that don’t rely on centralized platform APIs. Q5: What does this mean for content creators who used these reward systems? Affected creators must adapt their monetization strategies, potentially diversifying across platforms or exploring alternative revenue streams. The policy change highlights the risks of over-reliance on any single platform’s ecosystem for income generation. This post X API Policy Overhaul: The Devastating Ban on InfoFi Reward Apps Reshapes Social Media first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
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Bitcoin’s surge to a two-month high is triggering early signs of a sentiment shift across the derivatives landscape, according to the latest Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics report. After more than a month of consolidation, BTC’s thrust into the upper-$90,000 range has lifted broader market appetite, pulling futures open interest and options positioning in a more constructive direction. Sideways trading that dominated the end of 2025 gave way to a sharp breakout this week, with Bitcoin briefly approaching $98,000 before settling slightly lower. According to data from CoinCodex, the crypto market leader has surged over 6% in the past 7 days. Following a slight drop in the past 24 hours, BTC trades at $95,884 at the time of writing. That move over the past week has brought the altcoin market higher and set off a noticeable reaction across both perpetual futures and options markets. Perpetual Futures Show Rising Risk Appetite Open interest in perpetual futures has climbed sharply, surpassing $8 billion across the nine major tokens tracked by Bybit and Block Scholes, according to the report . That marks a return to levels last observed during Bitcoin’s early-January rally to $94,000. The breakout in spot prices appears to be attracting new leveraged long positions as well, as reflected by a steep rise in the firms’ Risk-Appetite Index. Block Scholes BTC and ETH Risk Appetite Indexes (Source: Bybit) Funding rates for select altcoins have also moved higher, indicating fresh demand for long exposure. Ether and other major assets are seeing additional support from continued inflows into their respective spot ETFs, which remain positive year-to-date. Options Markets Shift From Bearish to Neutral Skew Options markets are undergoing their own sentiment reset. Short-dated Bitcoin and Ether volatility smiles, which were previously tilted toward a bearish put premium, have shifted toward a neutral skew. The adjustment mirrors the brief sentiment flip earlier in January when BTC touched $94,000, though that shift reversed as soon as the price failed to hold the level. This time, the analysts say the $94,000 to $96,000 region remains an important trigger. A sustained hold above this zone could push options skew more decisively in favor of calls. However, a fallback below the range may once again restore a preference for downside protection. BTCUSDT Put-Call Skew (Source: Bybit) Despite the size of the spot move, implied volatility has remained relatively subdued. Realized volatility has drifted near 38 percent, while short-tenor implied volatility sits close to its lower historical bounds, signaling markets are recalibrating rather than bracing for disruption. Spot ETF Inflows Reinforce Market Strength Spot flows continue to underpin market sentiment. Bitcoin spot ETFs have already recorded more than $660 million in net inflows year-to-date, including a $760 million haul on Jan. 13. This is a single-day level not seen since the Oct. 10 liquidation event. The report noted that Ether is experiencing a similar boost, supported by both ETF activity and strong on-chain fundamentals, with roughly 30 percent of the total supply now staked. “Cryptos have braved past geopolitical shockers at the onset of 2026, appearing intent on catching up with other risk assets,” said Bybit Learn Chief Market Analyst Han Tan in a statement. “Recent gains bode well for our 2026 Bitcoin target of $150,000, though the road ahead will likely be marked by turbulence as geopolitical and U.S. monetary policy risks cloud the macro outlook,” Tan added. Term Structures and Leverage Signal Confidence The report also notes that futures term structures for both Bitcoin and Ether have clustered around similar values across maturities, indicating consistent pricing of risk. Seven-day BTC futures are trading with a notable 10 percent premium to spot, underscoring strong demand for leveraged upside exposure. Still, history shows that derivatives behavior remains sensitive to Bitcoin’s ability to maintain key levels. When BTC failed to hold $94,000 earlier this month, volatility smiles quickly reverted to pricing a put premium, the analysts said. The same risk applies if the current breakout loses momentum. Outlook Hinges on BTC Holding the Upper-$90K Zone While early indicators point to improving sentiment, the market’s next phase hinges on whether Bitcoin can stay anchored in the upper-$90,000 range. A sustained hold could deepen the bullish shift across derivatives, while a breakdown may reset positioning back toward downside hedging.
XRP has once again drawn intense market attention as its recent price action signals renewed momentum. After a period of consolidation and minor pullbacks, buyers are stepping in aggressively, testing key resistance levels and driving volatility higher. Traders and investors are now watching closely, anticipating whether the token can sustain its momentum and trigger a significant breakout. Market commentary from pepa highlights a striking technical comparison between XRP’s price movements in 2016 and its current trajectory spanning 2025–2026. According to the analysis, XRP appears to be replaying the consolidation and breakout sequence that led to its historic rally from the 2016 lows to the 2018 highs, a cycle that produced gains of approximately 60,000% on a logarithmic scale. Based on this historical analogue, pepa suggests that XRP could theoretically reach $589 if similar market dynamics materialize. $XRP same 2016 playbook..? would be $589 anyways this is stunning price action rh.. next few weeks going to be very interesting.. gl everyone.. https://t.co/9NupI8FgCx pic.twitter.com/i9STF95s9V — pepa (@moonshilla) January 14, 2026 Recent Price Momentum XRP has already shown tangible bullish signals. On January 14, 2026, the token surged 6% to $2.17, breaking above critical resistance at $2.14 after retracing from a $2.36 peak earlier in the month. The rally coincided with heightened trading volume , indicating strong participation from retail and institutional investors. Analysts interpret this activity as confirmation that XRP is actively testing breakout thresholds, which could set the stage for further upward movement over the coming weeks. Historical Parallels Inform Current Analysis The 2016–2018 cycle provides a meaningful blueprint for evaluating XRP’s current technical structure. During that period, XRP consolidated at lower levels before entering a parabolic rally fueled by adoption growth and market sentiment. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 By comparing today’s consolidation patterns and logarithmic trend lines with historical movements, analysts like pepa suggest that XRP could follow a similar trajectory if momentum continues and key resistance zones are cleared. Market Outlook and Risk Factors While projections like $589 generate excitement, they remain highly speculative . XRP’s trajectory depends on multiple factors, including liquidity, macroeconomic conditions, regulatory developments, and competition from other digital assets. Traders must monitor short-term signals such as resistance breaks, volume spikes, and market participation to gauge whether the potential rally is sustainable. Why the Next Few Weeks Are Crucial With XRP testing pivotal price levels and chart patterns reminiscent of previous parabolic cycles, the upcoming weeks could determine the token’s near-term path. Analysts and traders are focusing on momentum confirmation and breakout execution. As pepa emphasized, the combination of historical parallels, strong trading activity, and critical technical thresholds makes this period particularly important for understanding XRP’s potential upside. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP to $589? Analyst Says Next Few Weeks Will Be Very Interesting. Here’s why appeared first on Times Tabloid .
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