Following Hamas' attacks on Israel, the European Union launched an investigation into the way illegal content and false information about terror and violence was spread on the X (formerly Twitter) platform. Two people with direct knowledge of the matter said EU officials have put a series of questions to the social media platform, which it must respond to by next week.
EU officials officially launched the investigation, the first under the newly approved Digital Services Act, days after EU Commissioner Thierry Breton wrote to billionaire Elon Musk expressing concern that the platform was "being used to spread illegal content and disinformation."
These people said that if Company
EU investigators also want to know how Company X prepared during the "crisis" and what protocols it had in place to deal with misinformation. The company has until the end of this month to respond to the European Commission.
The move marks the first time Brussels regulators have exercised their powers under the Internet Security Act (DSA), which regulates how big tech companies should regulate the internet and aims to keep European citizens safe online.
The group's investigation comes after concerns were raised about the proliferation of misinformation on X related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which resulted in some posts containing images and amassing millions of views.
Under EU regulations, X is considered a "very large network platform" and has special responsibilities in monitoring network content.
On Tuesday, Brayton warned Musk that the company must take "moderate and effective mitigation measures" to deal with false information. Brayton added: "We have received reports from qualified sources that potentially illegal content is being circulated on your service despite warnings from relevant authorities."
In response to the commissioner's letter, Musk wrote: "Our policy is to be open and transparent about everything, and I know the EU supports this approach. Please list the violations you mentioned on X so the public can see it. Thank you."
The commissioner, who is the enforcer of the Cybersecurity Law, responded: "You are well aware of your users - and authorities - reporting on false content and glorification of violence. You should demonstrate that you practice what you preach."
X is not the only company under pressure from the EU. On Thursday, Breton also sent a letter to TikTok to remind them of their responsibilities as required by the DSA and to strengthen enforcement efforts.