European Commission Steps Up Probe into X Over Content Moderation

General


Brussels: The European Commission announced on Friday that it is intensifying its investigation into whether Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has violated EU regulations on content moderation. This involves formal requests for information and an order to preserve relevant documents.



According to Emirates News Agency, the investigation, which commenced in December 2023, requires X to submit internal documentation by February 15. This documentation pertains to its recommender system, which suggests content to users, as well as any recent modifications to the system.



EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stated, “Today we are taking further steps to shed light on the compliance of X’s recommender systems with the obligations under the DSA,” referencing the EU’s Digital Services Act.



The Commission has also issued a ‘retention order’ mandating that X maintain internal documents and information related to future changes in the design and operation of its recommender algorithms from January 17 through the end of 2025.



Additionally, the Commission requested access to specific technical interfaces of X. “These steps will allow the Commission services to take all relevant facts into account in the complex assessment under the DSA of systemic risks and their mitigation,” stated the Commission, as reported by NBC News.