Elon Musk’s X Accused of Violating US Sanctions With Iran Premium Accounts
▼ Summary
– Elon Musk publicly supported Iranian protesters and provided free Starlink internet access during a government-imposed blackout.
– A report alleges Musk’s company X is profiting from premium subscriptions sold to Iranian government accounts, potentially violating U.S. sanctions.
– These verified Iranian state accounts used X’s premium features to boost propaganda while ordinary citizens lacked internet access.
– X removed blue check marks from some identified Iranian officials after being contacted, but others identified in the report retained them.
– The U.S. Treasury stated it takes allegations of sanctionable conduct seriously but did not comment on the specific case.
Recent reports suggest a significant contradiction in Elon Musk’s public stance on Iran. While he has vocally supported anti-government protesters and even provided free Starlink internet access during a blackout, his social media platform, X, appears to have been financially benefiting from accounts linked to the very regime he criticizes. This situation raises serious questions about potential violations of U.S. sanctions, as these accounts were reportedly using paid premium features to amplify state propaganda.
The Tech Transparency Project identified over two dozen X accounts tied to Iranian government officials, state agencies, and state-run media that displayed the platform’s blue verification checkmark. This checkmark signifies a paid X Premium subscription, which starts at $8 monthly and includes features that artificially boost a post’s reach and engagement. During periods when ordinary Iranians faced internet restrictions, these accounts were actively disseminating government-approved messages, with their content allegedly amplified by the platform’s paid tools.
This activity creates a direct conflict with U.S. foreign policy efforts. The administration has been applying pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, and providing a paid, enhanced platform for Iranian state voices could undermine those sanctions. Experts argue that profiting from these subscriptions means the platform is not merely hosting content but is actively enhancing the Iranian government’s propaganda capabilities for financial gain.
Following inquiries about these specific accounts, X removed the blue checkmarks from several officials. However, other accounts identified in the report retained their premium status. The platform itself has not publicly commented on the allegations. When approached, the U.S. Treasury Department stated it takes all allegations of sanctionable conduct seriously but does not comment on specific cases.
The backdrop to this controversy is a period of intense unrest in Iran. Widespread protests erupted in late December, driven by a severe economic crisis and the plummeting value of the national currency. Demonstrators openly called for political change, leading to a harsh government crackdown involving mass arrests and fatalities.
Amid this turmoil, Musk’s public alignment with the protesters was clear. He echoed criticism of Iran’s leadership and took the symbolic step of changing the platform’s Iranian flag emoji to a pre-revolutionary version. His most tangible support came with the offer of free, uncensored Starlink access, which became a critical tool for communication after state-imposed internet shutdowns.
Yet, the simultaneous operation of paid, state-linked accounts on X presents a stark contrast. It highlights the complex and often conflicting realities of running a global social media platform where public statements, business decisions, and geopolitical sanctions can collide. The core issue remains whether a company can condemn a regime in one breath while accepting payment to amplify its official voice with the next.
(Source: Wired)
