Social media platform X has reportedly begun implementing a new security measure to curb the rising number of crypto scams and phishing activities. The policy was announced by Nikita Bier, who stated that accounts posting crypto-related content for the first time will be temporarily locked and required to complete identity verification.

This move comes amid a surge in crypto-related scams on social media, often involving hacked accounts or anonymous profiles used to spread malicious links. According to Bier, the policy is expected to reduce hacking incentives by up to 99%.

Policy Timeline and New Mechanism

Based on official statements, the new system will automatically detect when an account first engages in crypto-related discussions, including token promotions, airdrops, or links tied to digital investments.

If detected, the account will face several actions:

• Temporarily locked
• Required to complete identity verification (light KYC or account verification)
• Allowed to resume activity only after passing verification

This policy specifically targets accounts with no prior history of crypto-related activity, which have traditionally been a major vulnerability exploited by phishing actors.

Analysis: Closing the Gap for Phishing and Compromised Accounts

The surge in crypto scams on social media largely originates from two main sources:

• Hacked accounts belonging to public figures or crypto projects
• Newly created accounts designed specifically for fraudulent schemes

According to cybersecurity analysts, behavior-based verification models like this can significantly reduce the effectiveness of attacks, particularly at the content distribution stage.

By enforcing identity verification at the initial point of crypto-related activity, attackers face additional barriers in terms of cost and traceability. This is expected to disrupt the planning and execution of hacking operations.

Impact on the Ecosystem and Users

This policy introduces two key potential impacts:

1. Improved User Security
Retail users—who are often primary targets of phishing—are expected to gain stronger protection, especially from fake links and viral scam campaigns.

2. Increased Friction for Creators and New Projects
On the other hand, legitimate new accounts or crypto projects may face stricter onboarding processes. This could slow down information distribution, particularly for marketing efforts like airdrops or token launches.

However, this is widely seen as a reasonable trade-off for enhancing overall platform security.

Conclusion

X’s latest move reflects growing pressure on social media platforms to address increasingly sophisticated crypto scams. By adopting an activity-based verification approach, the platform aims to close key loopholes long exploited by malicious actors.

If successfully implemented, this policy could set a new standard for risk mitigation across the industry, especially as global adoption of digital assets continues to rise.