Influencers on X are monetizing misinformation about conflicts in the Middle East, leveraging the platform’s contentious policies that researchers say prioritize engagement over accuracy, AFP reports.

Since Elon Musk’s turbulent 2022 acquisition of X, formerly Twitter, the site has restored thousands of once-banned accounts and introduced a paid verification system that critics say has boosted conspiracy theorists.

X also rolled out an ad revenue-sharing program for verified users, who often peddle hateful and false information to profit from the platform.

“Cynical pay-for-play controversialists today deliberately induce anger for engagement to game Musk’s platform into giving them more visibility, and therefore more revenue for their views,” Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), told AFP.