Elon Musk’s platform X, previously known as Twitter, allegedly provided special privileges to designated terrorist organizations and other entities prohibited from operating in the United States, according to activists.
The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) discovered that X had granted verified badges, known as blue check marks, to accounts associated with Hezbollah members and others.
For a monthly fee of $8 (£6.40), these check marks allowed users to post longer messages and receive enhanced promotion on the platform.
Following the publication of the report, X removed some of these check marks, asserting the strength of its security measures.
One of the most contentious changes implemented by Mr. Musk upon acquiring Twitter in 2022 was the introduction of fees for verified badges.
Critics argued that this move could exacerbate issues related to misinformation and increase the platform’s vulnerability to impersonation.
Previously, the blue check mark was offered for free and served to verify the identities behind social media accounts, including those of journalists, world leaders, and celebrities.
However, some recipients were individuals subject to US sanctions, leading to criticism of X for providing a platform to inappropriate parties and potentially violating US sanctions laws.
Transitioning to a paid verification system may introduce new legal concerns, according to the Tech Transparency Project.
Accounts associated with Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, were found to have seemingly paid for verification, although these check marks were subsequently removed.
The Houthis are subject to sanctions in both the US and UK.
While X insists that its subscription process adheres to legal requirements and undergoes independent scrutiny from payment providers, the TTP argues that some organizations benefiting from this service are owned by entities under US sanctions.
This situation has prompted concerns about X’s ability to maintain control over its platform, according to Katie Paul, director of the TTP.
Elon Musk, the owner of X and CEO of Tesla, has expressed a desire for the platform to serve as a “town square” for free speech while combating illegal content.
However, controversies have arisen since Musk’s takeover of X, including the reinstatement of Kanye West’s account in 2023 following a ban for offensive posts, including antisemitic remarks.
The TTP also identified other accounts, such as those belonging to NTV, a Russian state-controlled television channel, that appeared to have paid for subscription services. The US prohibits trade with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
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