X accused of taking payments from terrorists

Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, finds itself embroiled in controversy as it faces scrutiny for allegedly granting subscription perks to designated terrorist groups and entities barred from US operations. The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) uncovered that X provided blue check marks to accounts linked to Hezbollah members, allowing them access to premium features for $8 a month, including extended post lengths and enhanced promotion capabilities.

Musk’s X accused of taking payments from terrorists

This revelation sparked criticism against X, particularly for charging for verification badges that were previously offered for free to indicate verified identity. Among the recipients of these blue check marks were journalists, world leaders, and celebrities, but some accounts belonged to individuals facing US sanctions, raising concerns about the platform’s usage and legality.

Following the TTP report, X swiftly removed ticks from identified accounts, including one associated with the Houthis, a group sanctioned in both the US and UK. The report highlighted the sale of premium services to entities under US sanctions by X, prompting questions about compliance with regulatory obligations.

While X asserts its subscription process adheres to legal requirements and is independently screened by payment providers, the US Treasury, responsible for outlining sanctioned organizations, has yet to respond to the matter. TTP further contends that some organizations benefiting from X’s services, while not directly named on US sanctions lists, are owned by sanctioned entities.

The Director of TTP suggests that X has “lost control of its platform” amid these revelations, casting doubt on Elon Musk’s vision for X as a “town square” advocating free speech. The situation is compounded by TTP’s identification of other paid-for subscription accounts, including one linked to NTV, a state-controlled Russian television channel, raising concerns amidst heightened US trade restrictions on Russia following the Ukraine invasion.

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