Regulators have initiated a formal investigation into X, previously known as Twitter, suspecting potential violations of the European Union's stringent new Digital Service Act regulations. The investigation, announced today, is particularly focused on the platform's role in distributing illicit content during the Hamas' attacks on Israel, according to the European Commission.
In their press release, the Commission outlined that the investigation will assess X's measures to combat the dissemination of illegal content and its handling of "information manipulation" through its Community Notes system and other policies. Beyond content moderation, the inquiry will delve into issues such as "deceptive design" related to the verification process (known as the "Blue checks"), advertising transparency, and data accessibility for researchers.
Margrethe Vestager, EU Executive Vice-President, emphasized the seriousness of potential rule breaches: "The greater the societal risk posed by major platforms, the more specific the requirements under the Digital Services Act become. We treat any violation of our regulations with utmost seriousness, and the existing evidence is adequate to formally commence proceedings against X."
Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for Internal Markets, highlighted the end of an era where significant online platforms could act with disregard, stating, "With the DSA, today's initiation of formal proceedings against X signals the conclusion of the time when large online platforms believed they were immune to consequences."
This formal investigation comes just over two months after initial concerns raised by Breton regarding the proliferation of "illegal content and disinformation" on X. In response, the company outlined its moderation efforts, mentioning the removal of "hundreds" of Hamas-linked accounts and the labeling or removal of "tens of thousands of pieces of content." The Commission subsequently issued a formal information request, also extending similar inquiries to Meta and TikTok.