European Union Intensifies Investigation into Alleged Violations of Content Moderation Guidelines by X

January 17, 2025 TruthUSA

The European Commission has demanded that Elon Musk’s platform turn over documents related to its recommendation algorithm.

On Jan. 17, the European Union announced it is intensifying its investigation into whether X has violated its rules on content moderation.

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.”

According to the DSA, online platforms must provide users with reasons for content removal or account restriction, along with explanations for content moderation decisions.

Neither X as a company nor Elon Musk has responded to the EU’s actions.

The EU, which has initiated investigations against various U.S. tech companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, began investigating X in 2023. Recently, the EU dismissed speculations about revising its Big Tech investigations due to the anticipated return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

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, designated by Trump to co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has clashed with European regulators and faced criticism from mainstream politicians for supporting the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and endorsing the Reform UK Party. Lawmakers accused him of interfering in elections.

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.

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