A recent report by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has raised serious legal and ethical questions regarding the operations of X (formerly Twitter). The investigation suggests the platform may have violated US sanctions by accepting subscription payments from Iranian government officials and state agencies.
According to the TTP findings shared with WIRED, researchers identified more than two dozen accounts linked to the Iranian regime that displayed blue checkmarks. These verification badges indicate an active X Premium subscription, costing between $8 and $40 per month. By paying for these services, the accounts received algorithmic boosts and increased visibility for their content.
A Conflict of Interests
The report highlights a stark contradiction in the actions of X owner Elon Musk. While Musk publicly supported anti-government demonstrators by providing Starlink satellite internet access to bypass regime blackouts, his platform was simultaneously generating revenue from the very officials suppressing the protests.
Katie Paul, director of the TTP, noted that accepting money to boost content for sanctioned entities undermines US foreign policy. At a time when the US administration was applying pressure on Iran, these premium accounts were able to disseminate state propaganda effectively.
Platform Response and Implications
The accounts in question allegedly utilized the platform to spread official narratives while domestic internet access for ordinary citizens was severely restricted. Following an inquiry from WIRED regarding specific accounts, X removed the verification badges from several high-profile Iranian officials.
However, the report suggests that the initial acceptance of funds for premium features places the company in a precarious position regarding compliance with American sanctions law. The Treasury Department has stated that it treats allegations of sanctionable conduct with extreme seriousness, though it does not comment on specific cases.
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