X, formerly known as Twitter, has embarked on an intriguing initiative to monetize previously unused usernames by reaching out to potential buyers, asking for a flat fee of $50,000 to acquire these handles, according to a recent report by Forbes. This strategy follows Elon Musk‘s announcement in May, where he unveiled the platform’s plan to clear out inactive accounts and repurpose dormant usernames.

The company’s efforts to find buyers for these handles have now taken the shape of a dedicated task force dubbed the “@Handle Team,” tasked with establishing a marketplace for the purchase of usernames associated with inactive accounts. X altered its policy earlier this year, requiring users to log in every 30 days to maintain account activity. Users running afoul of this rule risk suspension or permanent removal from the platform, though the exact timeframe for inactivity leading to expulsion remains unclear. Notably, this move was put into practice shortly after NPR departed the platform earlier this year, prompting Musk to consider reassigning its handle.

Presently, obtaining an inactive user’s handle doesn’t appear to be a straightforward process, as X’s official website maintains that it cannot release unused usernames. However, Forbes‘ report hints that the company is exploring the idea of a handle marketplace as a new revenue-generating avenue. X recently introduced two subscription tiers for its paying users — a $16 per month Premium+ tier and a more budget-friendly $3 per month “basic” tier, illustrating the platform’s evolving strategy to boost its earnings.