Recent reports have put Elon Musk’s company X under scrutiny for allegedly selling premium accounts to Iranian government officials, potentially violating US sanctions. While Musk has publicly supported Iranian protesters and provided free access to Starlink satellites during an internet blackout, a report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) highlighted the sale of premium accounts to regime officials.
The TTP found over two dozen X accounts linked to Iranian government entities with blue checkmarks, indicating access to X’s premium service. These accounts were reportedly sharing state-sponsored content when ordinary Iranians were unable to access the internet. X’s premium subscriptions, priced at $8 to $40 a month, offer enhanced features like boosted reach and ad removal.
Amidst US-Iran tensions, these actions raise concerns about X’s role in potentially providing a platform for Iranian propaganda. The director of TTP, Katie Paul, emphasized that Musk’s acceptance of payments for premium subscriptions from Iranian officials could undermine US sanctions and diplomatic efforts.
X has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding these allegations.
Source: WIRED