The European Commission has intensified its examination of X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, for potential violations of EU law.
Scrutiny of Content Recommendation Systems
The EU has requested that X provide internal documents on its “recommender system” by 15 February. This system drives content suggestions for users and is at the center of the investigation.
Officials are exploring whether X’s algorithms favor far-right posts and politicians, potentially influencing public opinion unfairly. The inquiry, under the Digital Services Act (DSA), aims to ensure platforms comply with rules against misinformation and manipulation.
EU Reinforces Regulatory Oversight
Henna Virkkunen, EU digital commissioner, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to enforcing the DSA, warning X of potential penalties for non-compliance. These could include fines or even a platform ban within EU borders.
The commission issued a retention order requiring X to preserve data on algorithm updates throughout the investigation. Additionally, access to X’s APIs was requested to review interactions between external content and the platform.
Accusations of Political Interference
The investigation follows allegations that X’s systems amplify certain political narratives while suppressing others. Musk has also faced criticism for supporting far-right views and engaging with controversial European politicians.
Musk has rejected these claims, framing them as attacks on free speech. However, the EU insists that algorithmic transparency is vital to safeguard democratic processes and prevent unfair influence on elections. This investigation underscores the EU’s resolve to regulate powerful tech platforms effectively.