- Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), has received a warning from the EU regarding misinformation and violent content on the platform during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- The European Commission expects Musk to respond within 24 hours and comply with the Digital Services Act, which requires monitoring and removing illegal content on platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU.
- The EU is concerned about misleading content on X and the recent changes in public interest policies that have allowed the circulation of fake information, emphasizing the need for transparency, effective content moderation systems, and cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
Elon Musk, the CEO of X (formerly known as Twitter), has been issued a stern warning by a European regulator regarding the spread of illegal content and misinformation during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Failure to comply with European regulations could lead to fines amounting to 6% of the company’s annual revenue.
European Commission Urges Elon Musk for Response Within 24 Hours
The European commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, has sent a letter to Elon Musk, addressing concerns about the presence of misinformation and “violent and terrorist” content on X. Breton has asked for a response from Musk within a 24-hour timeframe.
Numerous researchers, news organizations, and other groups have documented a surge in misleading and false content on X, creating confusion among users regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The European Commission aims to tackle this issue by enforcing the Digital Services Act.
Compliance with the Digital Services Act and Content Moderation Obligations
The European Commission’s newly enacted legislation, the Digital Services Act, demands that platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU monitor and remove illegal content. Breton reminds Musk of the need for transparency, clarity, and consistent enforcement of content moderation policies on X.
Breton expresses concern over recent changes in X’s public interest policies, which have led to confusion among European users. These changes influence the platform’s decision to display certain posts despite violating policy rules, resulting in the circulation of fake and manipulated information.
Expectations of Effective Systems and Cooperation with Law Enforcement
Breton calls on Musk to ensure that X’s systems for content moderation are effective and requests a report on crisis measures taken to address the issue. Musk is also expected to be in contact with relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, promptly responding to their requests.
Breton warns Musk of potential penalties if a non-compliance investigation is initiated. The commissioner emphasizes the importance of X’s cooperation and expects the platform to respond promptly to requests from law enforcement authorities.
Conclusion
Elon Musk has received a warning from the EU regarding the presence of misinformation and violent content on X during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The European Commission expects compliance with the Digital Services Act and emphasizes the need for transparency and effective content moderation systems. Cooperation with law enforcement authorities is crucial, and failure to comply may result in penalties for X.
