EU Intensifies Investigation into Elon Musk's X Platform with New Demands

The European Commission has escalated its investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform, X, by issuing new demands for internal documentation. This move is part of an ongoing probe to assess potential violations of the European Union's content moderation regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Commission's Requests

The Commission has formally requested that X provide detailed internal documents concerning its recommender system and any recent modifications. The deadline for submission is set for February 15, 2025. Additionally, X is mandated to preserve all pertinent documents and maintain records of future algorithmic changes through the end of 2025. This initiative aims to grant the Commission access to specific technical interfaces of X, enabling a thorough evaluation of systemic risks and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation strategies.

Background of the Investigation

The probe into X's compliance with the DSA commenced in December 2023, following concerns about the platform's content moderation practices. The DSA, which came into effect in 2023, imposes stringent obligations on large online platforms to monitor and manage illegal or harmful content actively. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines or even a ban within the EU market.

Recent Developments

Tensions between Elon Musk and EU regulators have intensified due to Musk's recent interactions with European political figures. Notably, Musk hosted a livestream discussion with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, ahead of the national election scheduled for February 23. During the discussion, which attracted over 200,000 viewers, Musk and Weidel criticized high taxes, immigration policies, and the closure of nuclear power plants in Germany. This event has raised concerns about potential interference in European elections and the amplification of extremist views on the platform.

Implications for Technology Leaders

For technology experts and decision-makers, this situation underscores the critical importance of adhering to regional regulations and the potential repercussions of platform policies on political processes. The EU's proactive stance serves as a reminder for all technology platforms to ensure compliance with content moderation laws to maintain operational integrity within the European market.