Accounts on ‘X’ are being used by the terrorist groups : Tech Transparency Project (TTP) Report

Famous industrialist Elon Musk

Washington (USA) – A report by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has revealed that Elon Musk’s social media platform ‘X'(formerly Twitter) has been offering premium payment services along with various other benefits, to accounts associated with leaders of two terrorist groups that are designated by the US Government. The report identifies over 12 such accounts that subscribed to premium service of ‘x’ since April 2023.

NEW: X is providing premium services to the leaders of a U.S.-designated terrorist group and other sanctioned entities, according to new research from TTP.

The arrangement may be a violation of sanctions law. https://t.co/yt1OI6t70N pic.twitter.com/77gmaAPCgu

— Tech Transparency Project (@TTP_updates) February 14, 2024

1. The report indicates that ‘X’ is receiving a monthly or annual fee from these accounts, suggesting that financial transactions are taking place between ‘X’and the associated parties. Engaging in such financial transactions could be considered a violation of the US sanctions.

Claim by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) !

X (formerly Twitter) accounts being used by Terrorists ! pic.twitter.com/f0QHGj29U4

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 16, 2024

2. Among the 28 accounts on ‘X’, there are individuals and groups identified as a national security threat by the US Government. These include two leaders from Hezbollah, accounts associated with Houthi rebels in Yemen, and accounts linked to the State media of Iran and Russia. The presence of these accounts raises concerns about potential security risks associated with ‘X’.

X blue ticks went to terrorists, campaigners say https://t.co/k6kPMu5S5y

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) February 15, 2024

‘X’ removes ‘blue tick’ from the accounts of terrorist groups

‘X’ has acted following TTP’s report by removing the ‘blue ticks’ (a symbol indicating verified status, often acquired through payment) from accounts associated with terrorist groups. In response to the report, ‘X’ has stated that they are actively addressing the matter, acknowledging the significance of the issue. ‘X’ further conveyed that they are reviewing the TTP’s report and will take necessary action. It is noteworthy that several accounts mentioned in the report were not included in the direct consent list, implying a potential discrepancy in account verification procedures.