Elon Musk’s X, where the coveted blue verification tick is available to anyone willing to pay a monthly subscription, finds itself in hot water following a disturbing report. The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) alleges that the social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, has been unwittingly enabling terrorist groups to purchase premium features like verification and longer posts.
TTP’s Troubling Findings:
The investigation revealed that X accepted payments from accounts linked to leaders of Hezbollah, state-run media in Iran and Russia, and even Houthi groups. These payments secured their premium subscriptions, granting them coveted blue checkmarks and perks like fewer ads and longer content.
More alarmingly, the report identified 28 accounts linked to sanctioned entities that ran advertisements in the comments section of their posts. This raises concerns about whether these groups were profiting from the platform despite their designations.
X’s Defence and Clarifications:
Responding to the report, X defended its practices, citing robust security measures in place to ensure compliance with financial regulations. They emphasised independent checks by payment providers to guarantee legitimacy. X further clarified that some of the accounts mentioned are not directly on official sanction lists, and others with checkmarks might not be receiving services covered by sanctions.
Public Scrutiny and Potential Impact:
The TTP’s findings have sparked public concern and scrutiny. Questions swirl around X’s handling of extremist content and its adherence to international regulations. The potential for terrorist groups to exploit the platform for propaganda and fundraising raises serious security concerns.
Under increasing pressure, X assures users that they are reviewing the report and will take appropriate action if necessary. The platform reiterates its commitment to maintaining a safe and legal environment for all users.
Looking Ahead:
As public awareness grows, X faces significant pressure to address these concerns. Potential actions include stricter moderation policies, revisions to monetization practices, and enhanced sanctions compliance measures. This situation also highlights the ongoing challenge for social media platforms to balance free speech with preventing abuse and illegal activity.
