The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) today called on X to take more substantial
steps to safeguard against the future sale of subscriptions to designated
terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. Reports emerged last
week that X, formerly Twitter, may be in violation of U.S. sanctions and
counter terrorism financing provisions. The social media company apparently
accepted payments for subscription accounts from sanctioned terrorist groups
and individuals, including Hezbollah leaders and the recently re-designated
Houthis.





<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>



Counter Extremism Project Condemns X’s Sale Of Subscription Service To
Terrorist Groups


(New York, N.Y.) — The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) today called on X to
take more substantial steps to safeguard against the future sale of
subscriptions to designated terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and the
Houthis.Reports
<[link removed]>
emerged last week that X, formerly Twitter, may be in violation of U.S.
sanctions and counter terrorism financing provisions. The social media company
apparently accepted payments for subscription accounts from sanctioned
terrorist groups and individuals, including Hezbollah leaders and the recently
re-designated Houthis. As a U.S.-based organization, X is not exempt from
terrorism financing provisions under U.S. law and accepting funds from listed
terror groups in exchange for services such as Blue Check Marks constitutes a
clear violation of these laws.



CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler said:



“Accepting even a small amount of money in exchange for services like a blue
checkmark on X is the definition of ‘material support.’ While some steps seem
to have been taken to address this issue, X's belated response to this
oversight, and only in the face of public scrutiny, is insufficient. The
company's legal obligations were clear: to refrain from providing services to
individuals and groups designated as terrorists in exchange for payment, and to
promptly report any illicit financial transactions to the appropriate
authorities.



X’s actions remain deeply concerning and demonstrate an apparent disregard
for its legal obligations. If X continues to grant subscriptions to accounts
affiliated with designated terrorist organizations and individuals, it raises
serious questions about the company’s commitment to the law. Social media
platforms must remember that the First Amendment does not protect terrorism
financing.”



The non-profit Tech Transparency Group
<[link removed]> , which monitors the tech
industry, last week reported that it had found 28 blue check mark accounts that
are also associated with U.S.-sanctioned entities. In response, the company
posted that it would review the accounts in question and removed several of the
check marks later that day.



As social media platforms continue to face difficulties in reducing extremist
content online, it is clear that more needs to be done to make them aware of
their responsibilities. Moving forward, it is imperative for X to prioritize
compliance with U.S. laws and ensure that its platform is not exploited for
illicit purposes.



To read CEP’s Tech and Terrorism reports, please click here
<[link removed]>.



###







Unsubscribe
<[link removed]>
|Donate <[link removed]> | Contact Us
<[link removed]>


Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe for yourself here
<[link removed]>
.