Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been accused of granting subscription perks to designated terrorist groups and others barred from operating in the US. The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) found that X had granted blue check marks (verification badges) to accounts tied to Hezbollah members, among others. These check marks were previously given for free to indicate that the account had been verified by the platform. However, after Musk’s takeover of X, he controversially decided to charge for the check marks. The TTP argues that this move could potentially worsen issues of disinformation and open the platform to impersonators. Many of the recipients of the check marks were journalists, world leaders, and celebrities. However, some of the accounts that received check marks were tied to individuals and groups facing sanctions in the US, leading to criticism and accusations of breaking US sanctions law. Now that the check marks are paid, the TTP suggests that X may be raising new legal issues.
The TTP’s report also highlighted that an account run by Ansar Allah, known as the Houthis, seemingly paid for its blue check mark. The Houthis are sanctioned in both the US and UK. The TTP argues that X’s decision to sell premium services to these individuals and groups raises concerns, as the US imposes sanctions on entities deemed to be a threat to national security. X responded to the report by stating that it adheres to legal obligations and that it independently screens its subscription process. The TTP argues that even though some of the organisations listed in the report are not directly named on the US sanctions list, they are owned by entities that are under US sanctions. The director of the TTP expressed concerns that X has lost control of its platform.
Elon Musk, who owns X and is also the CEO of Tesla, has previously stated that he wants the platform to be like a “town square” and advocates for free speech while removing illegal content. However, some decisions made following Musk’s takeover of X have been controversial, such as the reinstatement of rapper Kanye West’s account after a ban over offensive posts. The TTP also identified other accounts that seemingly paid for subscription accounts, including one belonging to a state-controlled television channel in Russia. X has faced criticism and scrutiny for its handling of disinformation and illegal content on its platform.
Overall, the TTP’s report raises concerns about X granting subscription perks to designated terrorist groups and individuals facing sanctions, as well as its potential legal implications. It also questions X’s ability to maintain control over its platform and handle issues of disinformation effectively.
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