X Faces EU Commission’s Scrutiny for ‘Dissemination of Illegal Content

The European Commission has formally launched an investigation into X (formerly Twitter) regarding content associated with the terrorist group Hamas’ attacks on Israel. The inquiry, initiated on December 18, aims to evaluate whether X violated the Digital Services Act in addressing misinformation and illegal content on its platform.

X Faces EU Commission’s Scrutiny for ‘Dissemination of Illegal Content

The investigation covers the effectiveness of X’s Community Notes, policies addressing risks to civic discourse and electoral processes, as well as scrutiny of the blue check mark system, described by the commission as a “suspected deceptive design.” The proceedings grant the Commission the authority to take enforcement measures, including interim measures and non-compliance decisions, and to consider commitments made by X to address the matters under investigation.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, implemented controversial policies following his acquisition of Twitter in 2022, facing criticism for restructuring the trust and safety team, reducing content moderators, and changing the platform’s blue check verification system. The investigation also extends to “suspected shortcomings” in X’s efforts to enhance the transparency of publicly available data on the platform. Notably, Musk’s personal account was involved in promoting antisemitic content after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, sparking further concerns about content moderation. Media Matters released a report in November revealing that X displayed advertisements for large firms alongside pro-Nazi content under specific search conditions.