The Monetization of Misinformation: How X Users Profit from Election Hoaxes**

Certain X users are reportedly earning thousands by sharing election misinformation, AI-generated images, and conspiracy theories, raising concerns about the platform's impact on political integrity during the upcoming elections.**

As the 2024 US elections draw near, a troubling phenomenon is emerging on social media platform X. Reports indicate that some users are earning significant sums of money—ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars—by sharing a mix of election misinformation, AI-generated visuals, and conspiracy theories. The BBC has uncovered networks of accounts that frequently reshare each other's content, significantly boosting their visibility and profitability.

These users, who claim to operate independently from official political campaigns, report that their earnings are influenced by engagement metrics from premium subscribers, following a rule change on October 9. While many social media sites have strict policies against misinformation, X lacks equivalent guidelines, raising questions about whether the platform encourages users to disseminate misleading information during this crucial political period.

Among the types of content being shared are unfounded allegations of election fraud and horrific accusations against political candidates, which have all been widely dismissed by authorities. Some of this misinformation spreads from X to other social media platforms with larger audiences, amplifying its reach.

One user, known as Freedom Uncut, reported that he can spend upwards of 16 hours a day engaging with fellow creators while crafting both provocative and satirical images. Though he asserts that his content is not meant to deceive, he acknowledges the financial incentives at play, suggesting that sensationalism garners the most views.

Meanwhile, on the opposing side, a user named Brown Eyed Susan is part of a network of accounts supporting Kamala Harris. She claims that her reach exploded unintentionally and that her postings occasionally promote unfounded conspiracy theories. Moreover, she pointed out that politicians, including congressional candidates, often seek collaboration from accounts like hers.

X says its priority is to uphold user expression. However, it continues to allow misleading content to circulate, prompting concern about its influence on voter perception. As the election looms, the actions of users on X illustrate a shift towards profit-driven dissemination of information, blurring the lines between facts and fiction in political discourse.