The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into X, formerly known as Twitter, under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe focuses on whether X, operating under the DSA, violated European rules related to illegal content, content manipulation, and data transparency. The investigation stems from X’s risk assessment report submitted in September, transparency reports, and responses to information requests, particularly concerning the spread of alleged illegal content related to Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel.
The commission’s inquiry will scrutinize X’s compliance with DSA rules, emphasizing risk assessment and mitigation measures, notice and action mechanisms, and content moderation resources. The investigation will assess X’s efforts to combat information manipulation and evaluate the effectiveness of its Community Notes system in the European Union (EU). Additionally, the EU will examine the transparency of X’s platform, focusing on shortcomings in giving researchers access to publicly accessible data and the deceptive design of the user interface. X, now facing regulatory scrutiny, has emphasized its commitment to complying with the DSA and cooperating with the regulatory process.
The European Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, stated that the formal proceedings against X signal the end of the era where big online platforms behave as if they are “too big to care.” The DSA, considered a landmark law restructuring the internet, will play a crucial role in regulating digital services and protecting citizens and democracies in the EU. This investigation underscores the EU’s efforts to ensure that major online platforms adhere to regulatory frameworks, preventing the spread of illegal content and safeguarding user experiences.
As the DSA comes into effect, its impact on platforms like X and the broader digital landscape will likely set precedents for how online services operate within the EU regulatory framework. The outcomes of this investigation could have implications for other digital platforms as they navigate evolving regulatory landscapes globally.
