EU Steps Up Inquiry into Elon Musk's X Concerning Content Moderation
The European Commission hastens its investigation into X's adherence to EU regulations prior to Trump's inauguration.
The European Commission has announced an escalation in its investigation into whether Elon Musk's social media platform, X, has breached European Union content moderation regulations.
This inquiry, initiated in December 2023, focuses on whether X's recommendation system, tasked with suggesting content to users, adheres to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Commission has asked X to provide internal documents related to the recommendation system along with any recent modifications by February 15. EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stated that this action is part of efforts to ensure X's compliance with the DSA.
X, which has not responded to the Commission's request for comment, has faced criticism from European politicians, including accusations of meddling in elections, particularly due to Musk's political backing of far-right movements in Europe.
Musk, a supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has recurrently clashed with EU regulators over these issues.
The Commission's investigation will determine whether X's algorithms promote only one viewpoint or engage in 'shadow-banning' opposing perspectives, raising concerns about fair electoral processes.
The investigation's emphasis on the recommendation system occurs as the Commission continues to enforce EU laws aimed at combating illegal content, such as hate speech and election interference.
The Commission has issued a 'retention order' requiring X to maintain relevant internal documents and changes to its algorithms from January 17 to December 2025. Furthermore, the Commission has requested access to X's technical interfaces for direct fact-finding on content moderation and the virality of accounts.
While Musk defends his actions as supporting free speech and democracy, European regulators worry about the systemic risks associated with the platform's content moderation methods.
The investigation is ongoing, with further developments anticipated as X seeks to comply with EU regulations.
This inquiry, initiated in December 2023, focuses on whether X's recommendation system, tasked with suggesting content to users, adheres to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Commission has asked X to provide internal documents related to the recommendation system along with any recent modifications by February 15. EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stated that this action is part of efforts to ensure X's compliance with the DSA.
X, which has not responded to the Commission's request for comment, has faced criticism from European politicians, including accusations of meddling in elections, particularly due to Musk's political backing of far-right movements in Europe.
Musk, a supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has recurrently clashed with EU regulators over these issues.
The Commission's investigation will determine whether X's algorithms promote only one viewpoint or engage in 'shadow-banning' opposing perspectives, raising concerns about fair electoral processes.
The investigation's emphasis on the recommendation system occurs as the Commission continues to enforce EU laws aimed at combating illegal content, such as hate speech and election interference.
The Commission has issued a 'retention order' requiring X to maintain relevant internal documents and changes to its algorithms from January 17 to December 2025. Furthermore, the Commission has requested access to X's technical interfaces for direct fact-finding on content moderation and the virality of accounts.
While Musk defends his actions as supporting free speech and democracy, European regulators worry about the systemic risks associated with the platform's content moderation methods.
The investigation is ongoing, with further developments anticipated as X seeks to comply with EU regulations.
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