European Union Announces Investigation into X, Citing New Disinformation Rules

The European Union has initiated an inquiry into Elon Musk's social media platform X, utilizing its Digital Services Act (DSA).

European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced the EU's commencement of a formal infringement procedure against the platform, previously recognized as Twitter. This action follows suspicions of failing to fulfill responsibilities in addressing illegal content and disinformation, potentially breaching transparency obligations, and potentially employing a deceptive user interface design.

This investigation stands as a significant initial trial of the DSA since its announcement earlier in the year. The legislation aims to curb the dissemination of misinformation or harmful content. After Musk's multi-billion-dollar acquisition last year, X has encountered growing demands to oversee its content. In October, the EU intensified its push on the San Francisco-founded firm to furnish details regarding its management of hate speech, false information, and violent content connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Musk has promoted the platform as a space encouraging unrestricted speech. However, specific alterations since assuming control—like reducing content moderators and reinstating accounts of controversial figures—have deterred users and advertisers, leading to a mass exodus.

inquiry will examine whether X adequately addressed the dissemination of prohibited content—such as hate speech or terrorism incitement—among its 112 million European users. This assessment encompasses evaluating the efficiency of X's tools for users to report unlawful material in posts and advertisements for prompt removal, and ensuring the company adheres to its guidelines regarding limiting "sensitive content."