Tech Transparency Project
@ttp-updates.bsky.social
The Tech Transparency Project is a research initiative of Campaign for Accountability that investigates the power, influence, & impact of Big Tech. https://www.techtransparencyproject.org
These revelations follow a TTP report from last month which showed scammers spending millions on Facebook ads that use deepfake videos of President Trump, AOC, Bernie Sanders, Elon Musk, and other political figures to hawk fake government benefits. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/met...
November 7, 2025 at 8:32 PM
These revelations follow a TTP report from last month which showed scammers spending millions on Facebook ads that use deepfake videos of President Trump, AOC, Bernie Sanders, Elon Musk, and other political figures to hawk fake government benefits. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/met...
NEW: Meta is using a range of influence tactics to counter growing concerns that social media platforms like Instagram can be harmful to teens’ health and safety. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/ins...
TTP - Inside Meta’s Spin Machine on Kids and Social Media
As Meta comes under growing pressure over its impact on teens, it’s using a range of tactics to move the public narrative in a friendlier direction.
www.techtransparencyproject.org
August 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NEW: Meta is using a range of influence tactics to counter growing concerns that social media platforms like Instagram can be harmful to teens’ health and safety. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/ins...
NEW: a TTP report reveals how Google—which at one time spent the most on lobbying of any U.S. corporation—employed an obscure legal strategy that reduced the amount of lobbying spending it discloses under federal law by removing executive lobbying from disclosures.
August 14, 2025 at 2:35 PM
NEW: a TTP report reveals how Google—which at one time spent the most on lobbying of any U.S. corporation—employed an obscure legal strategy that reduced the amount of lobbying spending it discloses under federal law by removing executive lobbying from disclosures.
Crypto miners and data centers got sweetheart energy deals in Texas, premised on the idea that boosted grid capacity could serve the state by being redirected in times of crisis.
But now that a new law is set to make some emergency shutoffs mandatory, the industry has concerns.
But now that a new law is set to make some emergency shutoffs mandatory, the industry has concerns.
August 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Crypto miners and data centers got sweetheart energy deals in Texas, premised on the idea that boosted grid capacity could serve the state by being redirected in times of crisis.
But now that a new law is set to make some emergency shutoffs mandatory, the industry has concerns.
But now that a new law is set to make some emergency shutoffs mandatory, the industry has concerns.
ICYMI: TTP recently published an update to our Big Tech Funding Database, which serves as a one-stop-shop for information on what third-party groups receive funding from Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple.
August 8, 2025 at 4:07 PM
ICYMI: TTP recently published an update to our Big Tech Funding Database, which serves as a one-stop-shop for information on what third-party groups receive funding from Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple.
NEW: Google has sharply reduced its support for nonprofit groups devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in what appears to be another sign that the company is falling in line with President Trump’s anti-DEI crusade, TTP has found.
August 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
NEW: Google has sharply reduced its support for nonprofit groups devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in what appears to be another sign that the company is falling in line with President Trump’s anti-DEI crusade, TTP has found.
Yesterday, @everytown.bsky.social published a new report investigating “YouTube’s New Efforts to Stop Gun Sales.” Before auditing the enforcement of YouTube’s gun sale linking policy, Everytown cites past research into the platform’s promotion of gun content, including a 2023 TTP report.
July 30, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Yesterday, @everytown.bsky.social published a new report investigating “YouTube’s New Efforts to Stop Gun Sales.” Before auditing the enforcement of YouTube’s gun sale linking policy, Everytown cites past research into the platform’s promotion of gun content, including a 2023 TTP report.
Recently, TikToker Sarah Palmyra recounted an incident where police stopped her Uber driver, only to reveal he was driving under a false identity.
In April, TTP exposed dozens of Facebook groups where users openly bought and rented Uber driver accounts under other people’s IDs.
In April, TTP exposed dozens of Facebook groups where users openly bought and rented Uber driver accounts under other people’s IDs.
July 29, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Recently, TikToker Sarah Palmyra recounted an incident where police stopped her Uber driver, only to reveal he was driving under a false identity.
In April, TTP exposed dozens of Facebook groups where users openly bought and rented Uber driver accounts under other people’s IDs.
In April, TTP exposed dozens of Facebook groups where users openly bought and rented Uber driver accounts under other people’s IDs.
NEW: Apple and Google’s app stores continue to offer VPNs that are surreptitiously owned by Chinese companies, over 6 weeks after TTP first identified them.
The latest findings also show Apple and Google may be profiting from these apps by taking a cut of subscription revenue.
The latest findings also show Apple and Google may be profiting from these apps by taking a cut of subscription revenue.
June 12, 2025 at 3:56 PM
NEW: Apple and Google’s app stores continue to offer VPNs that are surreptitiously owned by Chinese companies, over 6 weeks after TTP first identified them.
The latest findings also show Apple and Google may be profiting from these apps by taking a cut of subscription revenue.
The latest findings also show Apple and Google may be profiting from these apps by taking a cut of subscription revenue.
Today, @warren.senate.gov sent a letter to Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent and Sec. of State Marco Rubio asking whether Treasury officials have taken any action after TTP’s recent report revealed that a number of U.S.-sanctioned terrorists appear to have paid, premium accounts on Elon Musk's X.
June 4, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Today, @warren.senate.gov sent a letter to Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent and Sec. of State Marco Rubio asking whether Treasury officials have taken any action after TTP’s recent report revealed that a number of U.S.-sanctioned terrorists appear to have paid, premium accounts on Elon Musk's X.
NEW: TTP found premium blue checkmark accounts for multiple terrorists and others under OFAC-enforced sanctions. Some of these accounts even had an “ID verified” badge, requested tips, and offered subscriptions. 🧵 www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/u.s...
TTP - U.S.-Sanctioned Terrorists Enjoy Premium Boost on X
Accounts for sanctioned terrorists deemed a threat to U.S. national security are getting special service on X.
www.techtransparencyproject.org
May 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
NEW: TTP found premium blue checkmark accounts for multiple terrorists and others under OFAC-enforced sanctions. Some of these accounts even had an “ID verified” badge, requested tips, and offered subscriptions. 🧵 www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/u.s...
As @ajdellinger.com wrote this week in @gizmodo.com, Bitcoin mining is more expensive than ever.
Yet, that doesn't mean some of the biggest mining operators can't still get rich -- thanks, in part, to deals some struck to do nothing more than sell the energy they buy back to the grid at a mark-up.
Yet, that doesn't mean some of the biggest mining operators can't still get rich -- thanks, in part, to deals some struck to do nothing more than sell the energy they buy back to the grid at a mark-up.
May 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
As @ajdellinger.com wrote this week in @gizmodo.com, Bitcoin mining is more expensive than ever.
Yet, that doesn't mean some of the biggest mining operators can't still get rich -- thanks, in part, to deals some struck to do nothing more than sell the energy they buy back to the grid at a mark-up.
Yet, that doesn't mean some of the biggest mining operators can't still get rich -- thanks, in part, to deals some struck to do nothing more than sell the energy they buy back to the grid at a mark-up.
Notably, two of the lawyers representing Uber are former FTC chair Tim Muris and former FTC commissioner Christine Wilson.
This revolving door activity would be shocking, if it wasn't so common. A 2019 @publiccitizen.bsky.social study found *over 3/4* top FTC officials had revolving door conflicts.
This revolving door activity would be shocking, if it wasn't so common. A 2019 @publiccitizen.bsky.social study found *over 3/4* top FTC officials had revolving door conflicts.
April 21, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Notably, two of the lawyers representing Uber are former FTC chair Tim Muris and former FTC commissioner Christine Wilson.
This revolving door activity would be shocking, if it wasn't so common. A 2019 @publiccitizen.bsky.social study found *over 3/4* top FTC officials had revolving door conflicts.
This revolving door activity would be shocking, if it wasn't so common. A 2019 @publiccitizen.bsky.social study found *over 3/4* top FTC officials had revolving door conflicts.
A new TTP investigation found dozens of black market Facebook groups where users can buy or rent Uber driver accounts.
This illicit trade not only violates Meta’s policies against fraud, but it also puts passengers and customers at risk. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/for...
This illicit trade not only violates Meta’s policies against fraud, but it also puts passengers and customers at risk. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/for...
TTP - For Sale on Facebook: Fraudulent Uber Driver Accounts
Facebook prohibits fraud. But in dozens of Facebook groups, users are buying and renting Uber driver accounts under other people’s identities.
www.techtransparencyproject.org
April 14, 2025 at 1:42 PM
A new TTP investigation found dozens of black market Facebook groups where users can buy or rent Uber driver accounts.
This illicit trade not only violates Meta’s policies against fraud, but it also puts passengers and customers at risk. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/for...
This illicit trade not only violates Meta’s policies against fraud, but it also puts passengers and customers at risk. www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/for...
In 2022, TTP's Katie Paul wrote in @fastcompany.com that Elon taking over Twitter would lead companies like Meta to copy any content moderation backsliding.
With fact-checking now over, and X's Community Notes openly copied, Meta's not even being subtle about it. www.fastcompany.com/90818862/elo...
With fact-checking now over, and X's Community Notes openly copied, Meta's not even being subtle about it. www.fastcompany.com/90818862/elo...
April 8, 2025 at 2:27 PM
In 2022, TTP's Katie Paul wrote in @fastcompany.com that Elon taking over Twitter would lead companies like Meta to copy any content moderation backsliding.
With fact-checking now over, and X's Community Notes openly copied, Meta's not even being subtle about it. www.fastcompany.com/90818862/elo...
With fact-checking now over, and X's Community Notes openly copied, Meta's not even being subtle about it. www.fastcompany.com/90818862/elo...
Reposted by Tech Transparency Project
Apple and Google app stores host VPNs linked to sanctioned Chinese group
https://www.ft.com/content/709df467-7a96-4d2a-a9f6-18242fcb0ddf
https://www.ft.com/content/709df467-7a96-4d2a-a9f6-18242fcb0ddf
Apple and Google app stores host VPNs linked to sanctioned Chinese group
New findings reveal free ‘private browsing’ apps popular with US users have ties to blacklisted Qihoo 360
www.ft.com
April 1, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Apple and Google app stores host VPNs linked to sanctioned Chinese group
https://www.ft.com/content/709df467-7a96-4d2a-a9f6-18242fcb0ddf
https://www.ft.com/content/709df467-7a96-4d2a-a9f6-18242fcb0ddf
A new TTP investigation reveals that 1/5 of the top 100 free VPNs in the U.S. Apple App Store in 2024 were surreptitiously owned by Chinese companies—which may be forced to hand over data to their govt.
Some traced back to a US-sanctioned firm with links to the Chinese military.
Some traced back to a US-sanctioned firm with links to the Chinese military.
April 1, 2025 at 2:52 PM
A new TTP investigation reveals that 1/5 of the top 100 free VPNs in the U.S. Apple App Store in 2024 were surreptitiously owned by Chinese companies—which may be forced to hand over data to their govt.
Some traced back to a US-sanctioned firm with links to the Chinese military.
Some traced back to a US-sanctioned firm with links to the Chinese military.
Reposted by Tech Transparency Project
SpaceX reportedly has a secret backdoor for Chinese investment
SpaceX reportedly has a secret backdoor for Chinese investment
Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX has allowed Chinese investors to buy stakes as long as the funds are routed through the Cayman Islands or other offshore hubs, according to reporting from ProPublica. SpaceX is a defense contractor for the Pentagon, one that handles sensitive work like building a classified spy satellite network. Investment from China […]
tcrn.ch
March 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM
SpaceX reportedly has a secret backdoor for Chinese investment
“Careless People” contains lessons for lawmakers looking to hold Meta accountable, writes @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social of Cybersecurity for Democracy.
This is a company that has misled lawmakers at every turn and sacrificed user safety for profit. Transparency is only the first step.
This is a company that has misled lawmakers at every turn and sacrificed user safety for profit. Transparency is only the first step.
Another Meta whistleblower. When will it be enough?
Americans must demand accountability from social media executives, Meta especially.
contrarian.substack.com
March 26, 2025 at 6:09 PM
“Careless People” contains lessons for lawmakers looking to hold Meta accountable, writes @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social of Cybersecurity for Democracy.
This is a company that has misled lawmakers at every turn and sacrificed user safety for profit. Transparency is only the first step.
This is a company that has misled lawmakers at every turn and sacrificed user safety for profit. Transparency is only the first step.
Reposted by Tech Transparency Project
TikTok deleted 25 videos that I flagged were falsely claiming green card holders had been banned from entering or leaving the United States starting on March 21st.
The videos had been seen more than 21 million times.
fakedup.org/tiktok-has-a...
The videos had been seen more than 21 million times.
fakedup.org/tiktok-has-a...
TikTok has a Spanish-language fake news problem
🤥 Faked Up #42: Fake Telemundo accounts spread fake green card news; JFK archive declassification spurs conspiracy theories; and Italian savings rumors target EU rearmament plan
Hey, if FU#41 didn't ...
fakedup.org
March 26, 2025 at 11:42 AM
TikTok deleted 25 videos that I flagged were falsely claiming green card holders had been banned from entering or leaving the United States starting on March 21st.
The videos had been seen more than 21 million times.
fakedup.org/tiktok-has-a...
The videos had been seen more than 21 million times.
fakedup.org/tiktok-has-a...
Remember when Meta built a similar program for civil society organizations to report posts calling for violence?
Here's what happened: Meta announced partnerships around the world, took a victory lap, and did nothing.
Here's what happened: Meta announced partnerships around the world, took a victory lap, and did nothing.
Instagram partners with schools to prioritze reports of online bullying and student safety
Instagram partners with schools to prioritze reports of online bullying and student safety
Instagram on Tuesday announced a new school partnership program aimed at expediting the handling of moderation reports submitted by verified school accounts. The program is currently available to all middle and high schools in the U.S. It allows schools to report posts or student accounts that may violate the app’s guidelines directly to Instagram. These […]
tcrn.ch
March 25, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Remember when Meta built a similar program for civil society organizations to report posts calling for violence?
Here's what happened: Meta announced partnerships around the world, took a victory lap, and did nothing.
Here's what happened: Meta announced partnerships around the world, took a victory lap, and did nothing.
US-based tech companies are creating a dangerous feedback loop with poorly-moderated LLMs, which are being used to replace real fact-checkers and civil society watchdogs. “It’s so circular, and the errors just keep repeating and amplifying,” @marle.bsky.social tells @eileenguo.bsky.social.
Why the world is looking to ditch US AI models
Content moderation systems are being abandoned and defunded, leaving many countries looking for alternatives.
www.technologyreview.com
March 25, 2025 at 1:52 PM
US-based tech companies are creating a dangerous feedback loop with poorly-moderated LLMs, which are being used to replace real fact-checkers and civil society watchdogs. “It’s so circular, and the errors just keep repeating and amplifying,” @marle.bsky.social tells @eileenguo.bsky.social.
ICYMI: Meta is still working with independent fact-checkers in Australia, but its US lobbyists are working behind the scenes to dismantle global tech regulations. Read more in TTP's latest newsletter, here: techtransparencyproject.substack.com/p/persuasive...
Persuasive AI Risks, Data Center Disconnections, and Australian Fact-Checking
TTP's March 21st, 2025 Newsletter
techtransparencyproject.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
ICYMI: Meta is still working with independent fact-checkers in Australia, but its US lobbyists are working behind the scenes to dismantle global tech regulations. Read more in TTP's latest newsletter, here: techtransparencyproject.substack.com/p/persuasive...
Reposted by Tech Transparency Project
This is insanity. Zuckerberg was set to be deposed for multiple days last week in this lawsuit where he allegedly overpaid FTC (and SEC same day) to the tune of $5B to limit his liability ...and DE Governor is changing laws and briefing Meta senior staff on an emergency Sunday meeting to calm them?
March 20, 2025 at 1:36 AM
This is insanity. Zuckerberg was set to be deposed for multiple days last week in this lawsuit where he allegedly overpaid FTC (and SEC same day) to the tune of $5B to limit his liability ...and DE Governor is changing laws and briefing Meta senior staff on an emergency Sunday meeting to calm them?
Data centers are guzzling energy from the grid, which can cause problems when they switch to on-site generators in response to small disruptions. In Texas, these shutdowns were responsible for over 30 near-miss grid incidents since 2020, according to a new review of ERCOT filings by Reuters.
Big Tech’s data center boom poses new risk to US grid operators
Data Center Alley, a 30-square-mile stretch outside Washington D.C. and home to more than 200 data centers, consumes roughly the same electricity as Boston.
www.reuters.com
March 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Data centers are guzzling energy from the grid, which can cause problems when they switch to on-site generators in response to small disruptions. In Texas, these shutdowns were responsible for over 30 near-miss grid incidents since 2020, according to a new review of ERCOT filings by Reuters.