San Francisco, February 15: Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has been providing premium, paid services to accounts associated with two leaders of a US-designated terrorist group and several other government-sanctioned organizations, according to a new report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP).
The report revealed that over a dozen X accounts belonging to US-sanctioned entities had obtained a blue checkmark, which is only available through the purchase of a premium subscription. These premium accounts come with various perks, including longer text and video capabilities, as well as enhanced visibility. However, this has raised concerns as it potentially violates US sanctions.
The TTP report identified 28 verified accounts linked to individuals and groups deemed threats to national security by the US government. Notable among these are accounts associated with Hezbollah leaders and Houthis in Yemen, as well as state-run media accounts from Iran and Russia.
Alarming findings indicated that 18 of these accounts were verified after X began charging for verification services in April last year. The report highlighted the fact that X’s own policies prohibit sanctioned users from purchasing premium services. Additionally, some of the identified accounts had advertisements in their replies, suggesting the possibility of profiting from ad revenue.
Upon reaching out to an X representative, the TTP researchers received no comment initially. However, a few hours after the publication of the report, X promptly removed all the mentioned checkmarks and suspended one account related to the Iranian-sponsored militia, Harakat al-Nujaba.
Following these actions, X released a statement through its @Safety account, acknowledging the TTP report and asserting that appropriate measures would be taken if necessary. The company stated that certain accounts listed in the report might not be directly named on sanction lists, and emphasized its commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant platform.
On X, blue checkmarks indicate that an account has subscribed to the Premium or Premium+ service tier, costing $8 per month or $84 per year, and $16 per month or $168 per year, respectively. Additionally, gold checkmarks signify that an account has paid to be a Verified Organization.
This revelation highlights concerns regarding the potential violation of US sanctions and the financial transactions involved. The impact of providing premium services to US-sanctioned individuals and organizations raises significant national security questions. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how X will address these alarming findings and ensure compliance with government regulations while maintaining a safe platform for its users.
This article aims to inform and raise awareness about the recent report from the Tech Transparency Project, shedding light on potential violations and the implications for national security. Vigilance and appropriate action by X will be crucial in addressing these concerns and upholding the integrity and security of the platform.
