European Union Intensifies Investigation into Alleged Violations of Content Moderation Guidelines by X
The European Commission has demanded that Elon Musk’s platform turn over documents related to its recommendation algorithm.
The European Commission, responsible for the bloc’s executive functions, is leading the investigation and has instructed the social media platform to provide internal documents concerning its recommendation algorithm.
Formerly known as Twitter, the platform was acquired by Elon Musk in 2022 and has until Feb. 15 to comply with the order.
The EU has also issued a retention order to X for all relevant documents related to potential modifications to the algorithm between Jan. 17, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025. Additionally, it has requested information on how the platform promotes content.
“These measures will enable the Commission to consider all pertinent information in the comprehensive evaluation of systemic risks and their mitigation under the DSA [Digital Services Act],” stated the commission.
EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen commented, “Today, we are taking additional steps to ensure transparency in assessing X’s recommender systems in compliance with the DSA. We are committed to upholding our legislation to create a fair, safe, and democratic online environment for all European citizens.”
Neither X as a company nor Elon Musk has responded to the EU’s actions.
Trump, set to resume office on Jan. 20, has criticized several EU policies, prompting shifts in Silicon Valley. Both Mark Zuckerberg of Meta and Elon Musk of X have voiced concerns about EU overregulation.
Last week, Meta terminated its U.S. fact-checking programs, with Zuckerberg planning to collaborate with the incoming administration to combat global censorship, particularly laws perceived as censorship in Europe.
Musk refuted these claims, denouncing criticism of him and EU laws as attacks on democracy and free speech.
After Musk’s livestream interview with AfD leader Alice Weidel on X, the EU Commission announced it is investigating whether X’s algorithms favor particular narratives and suppress alternative views, posing a risk to fair elections.
Reuters contributed to this report.