Elon Musk's X accused of getting paid by terrorists groups for subscription benefits

Elon Musk’s social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, has come under scrutiny for allegedly offering subscription perks to designated terrorist organizations and entities prohibited from operating in the United States. Reportedly, the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) uncovered that the X, had provided verified status, indicated by blue check marks, to accounts associated with members of Hezbollah and other similar groups. For a monthly fee of $8 (£6.40), users could access extended post lengths and enhanced promotional features with the blue check mark. Following the report, X removed some of these verifications, asserting the robustness of its security measures. Musk’s decision to monetize the verification process, a change implemented after his acquisition of Twitter in 2022, sparked controversy. Critics argued that this move exacerbated misinformation issues and increased the risk of impersonation on the platform. Previously, the verification badge was free and served to authenticate the identity behind an account, commonly granted to journalists, public figures, and celebrities. However, the paid verification system raised concerns regarding potential violations of US sanctions laws, especially as it appeared that sanctioned entities, like the Houthis, had obtained the blue check mark. The TTP noted that the platform’s new paid model could introduce additional legal complications. In response to the revelations, X stated that its subscription process complied with legal requirements and underwent independent scrutiny by payment providers. Although X pledged to take action based on the TTP’s findings, it argued that some listed accounts were not directly sanctioned by the US government. Nevertheless, the TTP contended that even if certain organisations were not explicitly named on sanction lists, they were associated with entities subject to US sanctions, suggesting a lack of control over the platform’s operations. Elon Musk, also the CEO of Tesla and a prominent figure in the tech industry, envisioned X as a digital “town square,” advocating for free speech while removing illegal content. However, decisions made under his leadership, such as reinstating Kanye West’s account despite previous controversies, have sparked further debate. The TTP’s investigation also highlighted other paid subscription accounts, including one linked to NTV, a Russian state-controlled television channel. Notably, trade with Russia was prohibited by the US following its invasion of Ukraine.