A probe into how Twitter/X dealt with content relating to the conflict in Israel and Gaza will be the first investigation under the new Digital Services Act (DSA).
The European Commission will investigate the social media platform over its alleged dissemination of propaganda and misinformation relating to the Hamas attacks.
Musk’s X is also suspected of breaching its transparency obligations and the deceptive design of user interfaces, which relates to the blue ticks which can now be purchased by users.
Today we open formal infringement proceedings against @X :
⚠️ Suspected breach of obligations to counter #IllegalContent and #Disinformation
⚠️ Suspected breach of #Transparency obligations
⚠️ Suspected #DeceptiveDesign of user interface#DSA pic.twitter.com/NxKIif603k
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) December 18, 2023
The DSA, a wide set of laws for social media platforms and search engines, came into force for the largest of operators back in August.
Under the laws, any company which is found in breach can be fined up to 6% of its global turnover, which for Twitter/X could mean paying out upwards of £200 million.
When the claims where initially made in October, Elon Musk responded on his social media site.
Vu, merci.
You are well aware of your users’ — and authorities’— reports on fake content and glorification of violence.
Up to you to demonstrate that you walk the talk.
My team remains at your disposal to ensure DSA compliance, which the EU will continue to enforce rigorously.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 10, 2023