The European Commission (EU) has officially requested information from X as part of its investigation into potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA).
X, along with other “Very Large Online Platforms” like Google and Meta, is under scrutiny for its handling of hate speech, violent content, and disinformation on its platform. This investigation comes after the EU received indications of the spreading of illegal and harmful content, including terrorist and violent material, on X’s platform.
The DSA is a recently implemented law that designates big-tech companies with millions of users as “Very Large Online Platforms.” These platforms are legally responsible for the content posted on their platforms. The EU is investigating X’s compliance with the DSA, specifically looking into its policies and actions regarding notices on illegal content, complaint handling, risk assessment, and measures to mitigate identified risks.
EU Commissioner’s Warning
EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton previously warned X owner Elon Musk about the potential investigation. Disinformation, hate speech, and graphic images of violence have been pervasive on X, with the Israel-Hamas conflict exacerbating these issues. While X is not the only social media platform facing such challenges, it has faced criticism for its perceived inaction.
X CEO’s Response
X CEO Linda Yaccarino responded to Commissioner Breton’s warning by providing an overview of the actions X has taken to address the influx of potentially unlawful content. Yaccarino stated that X has removed tens of thousands of pieces of content. However, it became evident that X relies heavily on its users through the Community Notes feature for content moderation. Community Notes allows selected X users to add context to posts, and the community rates these notes to determine their visibility on the platform.
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The EU’s investigation into X’s potential DSA violations marks the first formal investigation under the new law. The European Commission is specifically looking into X’s compliance with the DSA, focusing on the company’s crisis response protocol, handling of illegal content notices, complaint management, risk assessment, and measures to mitigate identified risks. If X is found to be in violation of the DSA, the EU has the authority to impose fines of up to 6 percent of the company’s global revenue.
Next Steps
X has until October 18 to provide the European Commission with information regarding its crisis response protocol. The company has until the end of the month to fully address the commission’s request. Following this, the EU will determine whether to proceed with the formal opening of proceedings under the DSA.
The investigation by the EU has significant implications for X. If the company is found to have violated the DSA, it could face substantial fines. Additionally, the investigation highlights the increasing scrutiny on social media platforms’ content moderation practices and their responsibility to combat disinformation, hate speech, and violent content.
The spread of disinformation, especially during times of conflict, can have severe consequences. It can contribute to the polarization of societies, incite violence, and hinder the creation of an informed public discourse. Platforms like X have a responsibility to implement robust measures to prevent the dissemination of false information and harmful content.
The Role of Regulation
The investigation into X by the EU demonstrates the importance of regulatory frameworks to hold tech companies accountable for their content moderation practices. The DSA provides a framework for addressing the challenges posed by large online platforms. By enforcing legal responsibilities, the EU aims to ensure a safer digital environment for its citizens.
Conclusion
X’s involvement in an investigation by the European Commission highlights the need for effective content moderation on social media platforms. The investigation into potential violations of the Digital Services Act underscores the importance of combatting disinformation, hate speech, and violent content online. As the investigation progresses, the EU will determine the appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the DSA and protect the online safety and well-being of its citizens.
