X Faces Criticism For Providing Subscription Perks To Designated Terrorist Groups

Elon Musk's social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has come under fire for granting subscription perks to designated terrorist groups and other entities prohibited from operating in the US, Faarea Masud and Natalie Sherman reported for BBC News.

Musk's decision to monetize the verification badge, previously offered for free to verify account identities, has sparked criticism. I Image: Elon Musk

According to the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), X provided blue check marks, indicating verified accounts, to individuals associated with organizations like Hezbollah and the Houthis, among others.

The controversial subscription perks, available for $8 a month, offer users features such as longer posts and enhanced promotion.

Following the TTP's report, X removed some of these verified check marks, asserting the platform's robust security measures.

Musk's decision to monetize the verification badge, previously offered for free to verify account identities, has sparked criticism, with concerns raised about exacerbating issues of disinformation and providing a platform to sanctioned individuals.

The move has reignited debates about social media platforms' responsibilities in verifying users' identities and preventing the spread of harmful content.

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