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YouTube Serves Ads on Sanctioned Iranian IRGC Channels

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

YouTube is serving ads that generate revenue on 75+ channels linked to U.S.-sanctioned Iranian entities, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Tech Transparency Project researchers identified the channels as run by entities sanctioned by Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The channels displayed ads from Subaru, Verizon, TurboTax, Ozempic, KFC and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spot.
Attorney Kian Meshkat said the owners face counterterrorism, nonproliferation and human-rights abuse sanctions.

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Story summary

YouTube is serving ads that generate revenue on 75+ channels linked to U.S.-sanctioned Iranian entities, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Tech Transparency Project researchers identified the channels as run by entities sanctioned by Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The channels displayed ads from Subaru, Verizon, TurboTax, Ozempic, KFC and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spot.
Attorney Kian Meshkat said the owners face counterterrorism, nonproliferation and human-rights abuse sanctions.