X adds Stripe identification services - at the expense of Israeli AU10TIX
X adds Stripe identification services - at the expense of Israeli AU10TIX
The social media company now uses U.S-based Stripe following user concerns about privacy and alleged links to Israeli intelligence agencies. AU10TIX: We do not disclose information about our customers
Social media platform X appears to no longer use the Israeli user identity verification platform AU10TIX for its identification verification services. Some users had initially raised concerns about uploading their photo IDs onto the platform to access monetization services due to the company’s alleged links with Israeli intelligence agencies.
Earlier this month some users on X had demanded that the platform cut ties with AU10TIX claiming that the information it receives would end up in the hands of Israel's intelligence services. Musk initially did not reject the demand and instead promised to investigate the issue, which appears to be resolved: American company Stripe is now handling the verification process.
AU10TIX officials told CTech: "we do not disclose information about our customers".
According to sources in the industry, it is common practice to work with multiple suppliers. The source also suggested that the cause of these rumors appears to be antisemitic and anti-Israeli groups attempting to cause harm or reputational damage to the firm.
The initial effort to remove AU10TIX from X was influenced by an account that goes by the name Censored Men and describes itself as ‘Alternative Media’. It has frequently posted anti-Israel and incorrect information regarding Israel and its war with Hamas in Gaza. Another user, Jake Shields, who is a prominent anti-Israel commentator, claimed the change was “a win for the good guys” and thanked Musk for the apparent decision.
The backlash against the Israeli company began when X announced that any creator on the platform who wished to monetize their account was obligated to verify their identity. At the time, AU10TIX said in response to Calcalist: "AU10TIX is committed to all international privacy standards and does not transfer details to any third party. This has always been the case and always will be."
AU10TIX is a subsidiary of ICTS and develops a biometric system that helps detect stolen or fake identities on online services. Its clients include Airbnb, Bird, PayPal, LinkedIn, and Fiverr. X had been a client for four years since its Twitter-era days when the company was run by Jack Dorsey. CTech contacted X for comment but was met with an auto-response: “Busy now, please check back later.”
