Some X users ‘paid thousands’ to spread election misinformation – report

Elon Musk’s social media app, X, is reportedly amplifying the spread of voter fraud conspiracy theories, with reports suggesting that some users are being paid thousands of dollars by the platform.

According to the BBC, it claimed to have identified networks of several X handles that are actively engaged in spreading false information regarding the US elections, which are taking place on Tuesday (Nov. 5). Some users alleged that earnings come from their own content while a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars are a result of re-sharing the same.

One user reportedly said: “It’s a way of trying to help each other out.” Support for US presidential candidates, Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, is divided across these networks.

Some profiles even endorsed independent candidates. Many of these accounts, which claimed no official campaign affiliation, have reportedly been approached by US politicians, including congressional candidates, seeking posts in support of their campaigns, according to the BBC report.

Earlier this month, X changed how its creators could earn money from the platform. Since last year, X shared ad revenue with creators based on how many verified users see ads in replies to their posts. But the company announced on October 9 that creators are instead going to be paid based on “engagement with your content from Premium users.”

Creators! We’re excited to unveil our biggest update to Creator Revenue Sharing yet.

Payouts are increasing and you'll now be paid based on engagement with your content from Premium users – not ads in replies.

Here’s what’s changing:

— X (@X) October 9, 2024

Although other social media platforms also offer ways for users to earn money, they usually have policies allowing them to demonetize or suspend profiles that spread misinformation. In contrast, X lacks similar guidelines regarding misinformation.

An X user with a small following created a doctored image claiming Harris once worked at McDonald’s, sparking unfounded claims of image manipulation by the Democratic Party. Conspiracy theories from X, including one about a July assassination attempt on Trump, also spread to other platforms.

ReadWrite reported that even high-profile figures like the Republican candidate have shared AI-generated images, including one falsely depicting Taylor Swift endorsing his campaign.

ReadWrite has reached out to X for comment.

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