The European Union (EU) has initiated an investigation into Elon Musk’s online platform, X, over possible breaches of new social media regulations. This marks the first such investigation since the rules were implemented, with the objective of making online content less toxic.
Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced the formal infringement proceedings against X. The investigation will focus on X’s systems and policies related to suspected infringements. However, it is important to note that this investigation does not pre-determine the outcome.
X, formerly known as Twitter, has affirmed its commitment to complying with the Digital Services Act and is cooperating with the regulatory process. The platform’s goal is to create a safe environment while protecting freedom of expression. X has insisted on the importance of a politically unbiased process that adheres to the law.
The investigation will examine whether X adequately addressed the spread of illegal content and effectively countered information manipulation, particularly through its Community Notes feature. Furthermore, the EU will scrutinize X’s transparency with researchers and suspicions regarding its user interface, including its blue check subscription service, which may have a deceptive design.
The DSA, which became effective earlier this year, subjects big technology companies to heightened scrutiny. Non-compliance with the regulations could lead to penalties of up to 6% of their global revenue or even a ban from the EU. The DSA aims to ensure the safety of users online by combating harmful content, including illegal materials and violations of platform terms of service.
X has already been singled out by the EU as the worst platform for fake news. European officials have urged Elon Musk, the owner of X since its acquisition a year ago, to take more action to address this issue. The European Commission previously questioned X’s handling of hate speech, misinformation, and violent terrorist content during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In conclusion, the EU is conducting an investigation into Elon Musk’s online platform, X, to assess potential breaches of social media regulations. X’s handling of illegal content, information manipulation, its transparency with researchers, and possible deceptive design will be examined. The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, and non-compliance with the regulations could result in substantial penalties or exclusion from the EU market.
