In a landmark move, the European Union has officially initiated proceedings against X, formerly known as Twitter and now owned by Elon Musk. The allegations revolve around suspected breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a set of stringent regulations aimed at governing major tech companies’ conduct in areas such as countering illegal content and disinformation.
Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton outlined the suspected infringements in a post on the social media platform. Among the accusations were violations related to countering illegal content, disinformation, and a lack of transparency. Breton emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules set out in the DSA and maintaining transparency in platform operations.
X, under Elon Musk’s ownership, stated that it is cooperating with the regulatory process. The company highlighted the need for a process free of political influence and in compliance with the law. X emphasized its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for users while protecting freedom of expression.
These formal proceedings mark the first under the Digital Services Act, which imposes additional obligations on major tech companies to safeguard users against extreme content. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines or suspension. EU Commission spokesman Johannes Bahrke clarified that the opening of proceedings initiates an investigation into X’s systems and policies, with no prejudgment of the outcome.
In October, the EU began investigating X over potential involvement in the spread of terrorist and violent content, as well as hate speech, particularly following Hamas’ attack on Israel. X responded by removing hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts. The ongoing probe will also assess the effectiveness of X’s Community Notes system, designed to combat disinformation by allowing contributors to comment on the accuracy of posts.
Concerns about the nature of content on X have escalated since Elon Musk’s acquisition, during which a significant number of moderators were laid off. The European Commission had previously warned that X had the most significant disinformation problem among major platforms. In the United States, controversies over extremist material on the platform led to an advertising boycott, clashes between Musk and campaign groups, and even speculation about X facing bankruptcy.
The EU’s action against X signifies a pivotal moment in the enforcement of regulations targeting major tech companies. As the investigation unfolds, it will shed light on X’s adherence to the Digital Services Act and its efforts to combat disinformation, setting a precedent for future regulatory measures in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
