Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, is facing backlash after it was revealed that the company had granted blue check marks to accounts tied to designated terrorist groups, including Hezbollah members. The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) discovered this concerning pattern and raised concerns about the potential security risks and legal implications of such actions.
The blue check marks, which were previously offered for free as a means of verifying the identities of individuals on the platform, were now being sold as a subscription perk for $8 (£6.40) a month. This controversial decision by Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022, received widespread criticism, with many pointing out that it would exacerbate the problem of disinformation and enable impersonators to exploit the platform.
The recipients of these blue check marks included journalists, world leaders, and celebrities, but alarmingly, accounts associated with individuals facing US sanctions were also verified. This gave rise to accusations that X was providing a platform to the wrong people and potentially violating US sanctions laws.
In response to the TTP’s report, X took action and removed some of the blue check marks from the identified accounts. However, this raised new concerns about the legality of the company’s subscription-based verification system. The Tech Transparency Project argues that by charging for a service that potentially benefits individuals or organizations under sanctions, X may be entering into legal grey areas.
Notably, the TTP also discovered that an account affiliated with Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, had seemingly paid for a blue check mark, despite being sanctioned in both the US and UK. This further highlighted the risks associated with X’s verification process and raised questions about the company’s screening procedures.
The potential security threats and legal ramifications of X’s actions cannot be ignored. Selling premium services to individuals, groups, or countries deemed national security threats by the US government is a highly questionable practice. It undermines the integrity of the platform and could potentially enable misinformation or propaganda campaigns.
It is essential for X to review and revise its verification policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the law. This incident also demonstrates the need for stronger regulations and oversight in the tech industry to prevent platforms from inadvertently supporting organizations and individuals involved in illicit activities.
Moreover, the incident raises concerns about X’s ability to maintain control over its platform. The Tech Transparency Project’s director, Katie Paul, suggests that X has “lost control” of its platform, indicating a lack of proper monitoring and moderation.
Elon Musk, the owner of X and the CEO of Tesla, has previously expressed his desire for the social media platform to be a “town square,” advocating for free speech while removing illegal content. However, controversial decisions, such as reinstating rapper Kanye West’s account after offensive posts, have fueled skepticism about Musk’s commitment to responsible platform management.
In addition to granting blue check marks to accounts associated with designated terrorist groups, X was also found to have verified accounts linked to NTV, a state-controlled television channel in Russia. This raises concerns about the platform’s compliance with trade restrictions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
The incident highlights the urgent need for X to reassess its verification process, strengthen its security measures, and ensure compliance with global regulations. The repercussions of allowing designated terrorist groups and sanctioned entities on the platform are significant and must be addressed promptly to maintain trust and safety on X.
