EU Warns Elon Musk’s X Corp. Over Potential Spread of Illegal Content
The European Commission has issued a stern warning to X Corp., the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, owned by Elon Musk, and its CEO, Linda Yaccarino. The commission expressed concerns about the potential for X to disseminate illegal content, including incitements to violence and hate speech, particularly in the context of a planned live conversation between Musk and US presidential candidate Donald Trump. The EU’s warning comes amidst an ongoing investigation into potential Digital Services Act (DSA) breaches by X and follows a string of incidents in the United Kingdom, where disinformation on X has been linked to violent riots.
Key Takeaways:
- The EU is concerned about the potential for X to spread illegal content, especially during high-profile political events like the upcoming Trump interview.
- The EU’s warning comes as part of an ongoing investigation into X Corp. for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act.
- The EU has the power to impose penalties, including fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue, if it breaks the DSA.
- X Corp.’s platform, with its reported 300 million users globally, is considered a "Very Large Online Platform" under the DSA, placing it under stricter legal scrutiny.
EU’s Concerns and Potential Penalties
The EU’s letter, written by Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, highlighted the potential risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content, emphasizing the need for X to effectively implement systems to prevent the spread of such content. Breton specifically expressed concerns about the live interview between Musk and Trump, highlighting the potential for this event to incite violence, hate, and racism in the EU.
The European Commission warned that it would not hesitate to enforce its "toolbox" to protect EU citizens from "serious harm." This toolbox includes a range of measures, such as:
- Changes to recommender systems to prevent harmful content from reaching users’ feeds.
- Increased monitoring of specific keywords or hashtags to identify and remove illegal content.
- Orders to terminate or remedy alleged infringements of the DSA.
- Fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue for breaking the DSA.
X Corp.’s Response and UK Riots
X Corp. CEO Linda Yaccarino responded to the EU’s warning by calling it an "unprecedented attempt to stretch a law intended to apply in Europe to political activities in the US." She also criticized the EU’s suggestion that European citizens are incapable of forming their own conclusions about the conversation between Musk and Trump.
The EU’s concerns about X’s potential for promoting illegal content are rooted in recent events in the United Kingdom. A wave of riots in July 2024 was linked to disinformation circulated on social media platforms, including X. False accusations spread online falsely identified an asylum seeker as the perpetrator of attacks on children, inciting violence that quickly escalated.
Following the riots, Musk himself made a series of controversial statements on X. He suggested the violence could lead to a "civil war" and even shared a fabricated headline claiming the UK was building "detention camps" for rioters. These statements were met with condemnation from UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called for Musk to be held accountable.
Previous Accusations and the DSA’s Significance
The EU’s latest warning to X Corp. is not the first time the social media platform has been accused of violating European regulations. The Commission had already launched an investigation into X’s compliance with the DSA in 2023, focusing on alleged breaches regarding dark patterns, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers.
The DSA, which came into effect in January 2024, aims to create a more responsible online environment by holding large online platforms accountable for the content they host. The legislation requires "Very Large Online Platforms" like X Corp. to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of illegal and harmful content. This includes implementing measures to prevent the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful material.
The EU’s Determination to Enforce the DSA
The EU’s warning to X Corp. demonstrates its determination to enforce the DSA. The EU has made it clear that it will not tolerate platforms operating within its jurisdiction while failing to meet the law’s requirements. The Commission’s stance highlights the growing global scrutiny of large social media platforms and the increasing pressure on companies like X Corp. to address issues related to content moderation and responsibility.
The EU’s warning serves as a powerful reminder that online platforms, even those with global reach, are not immune from the laws and regulations of individual countries and international organizations. As the digital space continues to evolve, it is essential for platforms like X Corp. to prioritize user safety and the responsible dissemination of information. Failure to do so could lead to significant consequences, including substantial fines and restrictions on operations.
