Elon Musk’s X, previously recognized as Twitter, finds itself under the scrutiny of the EU as investigations delve into its strategies aimed at curbing disinformation and the dissemination of detrimental content.
This investigation marks a significant milestone, being the initial probe conducted under the Digital Services Act within the bloc, signifying the gravity of the issues surrounding online misinformation.
Implemented in November 2022, this legislation mandates significant online corporations to intensify efforts in combating illicit content and addressing potential security threats.
In correspondence with Meta, TikTok, and Google, Mr. Breton emphasized their responsibilities outlined in the act, with each entity outlining their measures to combat misinformation.
However, among these companies, only X has been formally requested to furnish information as per the legislation’s requirements.
Assuring compliance, the company pledged to adhere to the stipulated regulatory process.
“EU Launches Probe into X’s Fact-Checking Methods and Policy Shifts”
The investigation initiated by the EU aims to scrutinize X’s community notes feature, designed for users to flag potentially false or misleading content.
Expressing concern about the feature’s effectiveness, an EU Commission spokesperson highlighted its significance, particularly since it has supplanted Twitter’s previous fact-checking team. This change occurred following significant layoffs orchestrated by Elon Musk after his company’s acquisition of Twitter in October of the prior year.
Elon Musk himself faced scrutiny by this system, alleging that it was susceptible to manipulation by state actors.
The investigation extends beyond content-flagging mechanisms to examine alterations in X’s verification policy. The once-coveted blue ticks are now accessible to anyone willing to pay a monthly subscription, prompting further scrutiny.
The commission’s probe encompasses comprehensive actions such as requests for additional information, interviews, and inspections.
Potential consequences loom for X should any breach of the act be substantiated, as the company could face fines amounting to up to 6% of its global turnover.