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X Adds Blue Checkmark Disclaimer to Address EU Antitrust Probe

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Elon Musk’s social media platform X has added a more prominent disclaimer to its blue checkmark feature, aiming to deflect a potential fine from European Union antitrust regulators, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The European Commission charged X in July 2023 with misleading users about the meaning of the blue checkmark. Traditionally, the badge indicated that an account belonged to a verified public figure. However, following Musk’s acquisition of the platform in 2022, the checkmark began to signify only that an account holder was a paid subscriber, not necessarily a verified identity.

Although X has not admitted any wrongdoing, it recently began displaying a more noticeable disclaimer clarifying the meaning of the blue checkmark. According to the source, this move is not part of any formal settlement proposal with the EU’s tech enforcement body but is seen as a voluntary step to demonstrate compliance. The new disclaimer has been in place for about a week.

The European Commission acknowledged X’s decision, with a spokesperson stating: “Our investigation related to the blue checkmark is ongoing.” X declined to comment when contacted.

The probe is being conducted under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that large online platforms take stronger action against illegal or harmful content or face penalties of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. The DSA also requires transparency in how online platforms present information to users.

Bloomberg first reported on X’s decision to highlight the disclaimer.

Brazil’s Lula Criticizes Meta’s Fact-Checking Changes as ‘Extremely Serious’

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed strong concern on Thursday over Meta’s decision to overhaul its fact-checking program in the United States, calling it “extremely serious.” Lula, who was speaking to reporters in Brasilia, emphasized the importance of holding digital platforms accountable in the same way as traditional media outlets. He added that the issue would be discussed in a meeting with government officials later that day.

Meta’s decision to alter its fact-checking approach in the U.S. has drawn attention from Brazilian authorities, particularly amid an ongoing investigation into social media platforms’ handling of misinformation and online violence in Brazil. Following Meta’s announcement, Brazilian prosecutors demanded clarity on whether the changes would also apply to the South American country. Meta has yet to respond to the request through its office in Brazil, and the company was given 30 days to provide further details.

Brazil’s legal authorities, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, have made it clear that tech companies must comply with local laws if they wish to continue operating in Brazil. In 2023, de Moraes oversaw a ruling that temporarily suspended the social media platform X in Brazil, a decision underscoring the country’s stance on enforcing accountability among digital platforms.

 

Brazil Challenges Meta’s Hate Speech Policy Changes as Non-Compliant with Local Law

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Brazil’s government expressed “serious concern” on Tuesday over Meta Platforms’ recent changes to its hate speech policy, stating that the modifications do not align with the country’s legal framework. The announcement comes after Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, reduced restrictions on discussions surrounding sensitive issues such as immigration and gender identity and ended its fact-checking program in the United States.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had previously criticized Meta’s policy adjustments, calling them “extremely serious.” The Brazilian government has now demanded clarification from the social media giant on its plans. Facebook remains highly influential in Brazil, with approximately 100 million active users, making it one of Meta’s largest markets.

The government did not specify which aspects of Meta’s new policy might violate Brazilian law but warned that the changes could “create fertile ground” for legal breaches, particularly those protecting fundamental rights. Brazil’s legislation prohibits hate speech, including racial slurs and attacks on religious beliefs.

In response, Meta clarified in a letter to the Brazilian government that the recent changes to its fact-checking program were currently limited to the U.S. The company also stated that updates to its community standards primarily affected hate speech policies and were intended to promote greater freedom of expression.

However, Brazil’s Solicitor General’s Office (AGU) criticized Meta’s response, saying that the changes did not adequately comply with Brazil’s legislation or ensure the protection of citizens’ rights. The AGU emphasized that aspects of Meta’s revised hate speech policy, applicable to Brazil, raised “serious concerns.”

Brazil plans to hold a public hearing this week to discuss the implications of Meta’s policy changes with experts. The case recalls a similar instance last year when the Brazilian Supreme Court suspended X’s (formerly Twitter) operations for over a month due to non-compliance with court orders related to hate speech moderation. X’s owner, Elon Musk, initially condemned the court’s actions as censorship but ultimately complied with demands to reinstate operations in the country.

Brazil’s move highlights its commitment to regulating social media platforms and enforcing local laws to protect citizens from harmful content.