X to roll out auto-lock feature for first-time crypto mentions
X is preparing a new anti-scam feature that would automatically lock and verify accounts when they post about crypto for the first time, according to Head of Product Nikita Bier. The proposed change came in response to a user who said they were hit by a phishing attack, with Bier saying the goal is to kill most of the economic incentive behind the abuse.
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
The feature would mark one of X’s most direct product-level responses yet to crypto-related phishing on the platform. In his reply, Bier said X was aware of the issue and was implementing auto-locking plus verification if a user posts about cryptocurrency for the first time in the history of their account. He also pointed to phishing emails and said Google was not doing enough to stop them.
The move lands as crypto scams remain a persistent problem across social platforms and email channels. X has already faced complaints this year about waves of fake accounts and phishing campaigns tied to crypto posts and Spaces activity, while outside reporting has described the latest measure as a kill switch aimed at first-time crypto mentioners.
Bier, who joined X as head of product in July 2025, has been central to a series of recent platform changes around creator incentives and product safety. This latest step suggests X is willing to add more friction to crypto posting if it reduces the payoff for attackers who hijack accounts or impersonate users to push malicious links.
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