Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has faced scrutiny for granting subscription perks, including verified blue check marks, to individuals and groups barred from operating in the US, according to campaigners.
The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) found that X had issued blue check marks to accounts associated with Hezbollah members, among others.
These check marks, which used to indicate verified identities and were previously free, are now offered as part of a subscription service for $8 (£6.40) a month, providing benefits such as longer posts and better promotion.
Critics argue that this move could exacerbate issues of disinformation and impersonation on the platform.
Moreover, granting check marks to individuals facing US sanctions has drawn criticism, with accusations that X may be violating US sanctions law.
Following the TTP’s report, X removed check marks from some of the identified accounts.
The TTP also noted that accounts linked to sanctioned entities, such as the Houthis, appeared to have paid for verification, though these check marks have now been removed as well.
The US Treasury, responsible for outlining organizations subject to sanctions, did not immediately comment on the matter.
The TTP report highlighted a blue check mark associated with Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, suggesting that X’s verification process may have been utilized by sanctioned individuals.
X, however, maintains that its subscription process adheres to legal requirements and is independently screened by payment providers.
Elon Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla, has previously expressed his vision for the platform as a “town square” that upholds free speech principles while removing illegal content.
However, some decisions made under his ownership, such as reinstating rapper Kanye West’s account after a ban for offensive posts, have sparked controversy.
In addition to Hezbollah-linked accounts, the TTP identified other seemingly paid-for subscription accounts, including one belonging to NTV, a Russian state-controlled television channel.
This move raises concerns given the US’s trade restrictions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Overall, the TTP’s findings suggest that X’s policies and actions under Musk’s ownership have come under scrutiny, with questions raised about its handling of verification and compliance with sanctions regulations.
Source-BBC
