Campaigners Allege X Accepted Payment from Terrorists
The Tech Transparency Project found that X, formerly Twitter, granted subscription perks, including blue check marks, to accounts tied to designated terrorist groups and others barred from operating in the US. For a monthly fee, these accounts could access longer posts and better promotion. X removed some of these check marks after the report, stating its security was "robust". The move to charge for check marks was controversial, with critics concerned about potential issues of disinformation and impersonation. The Tech Transparency Project raised concerns about potential legal issues, and X responded by stating it adheres to legal obligations and would take action if necessary. Elon Musk's decisions following his takeover of X have been controversial, including the reinstatement of rapper Kanye West's account after offensive posts.