The European Union on Monday has initiated a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform under the Digital Services Act, a law aimed at combating illegal online content.
This action comes after the EU identified disinformation related to Hamas’s attack in Israel on October 7.
The EU’s move against X, formerly known as Twitter, marks the first enforcement action against a major online platform since the implementation of the DSA.
The legislation holds online companies accountable for content moderation.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton stated, “Today’s opening of formal proceedings against X makes it clear that, with the DSA, the time of big online platforms behaving like they are ‘too big to care’ has come to an end.”
The European Commission had previously conducted a preliminary investigation into X, focusing on the dissemination of illegal content concerning Hamas’s terrorist attacks.
Based on the findings, the Commission has decided to proceed with formal infringement proceedings against X under the DSA.
The investigation will examine four key areas: the dissemination of illegal content, X’s efforts to combat disinformation, restrictions on researchers’ access to data, and deceptive practices related to its Blue Tick subscription product.
If proven guilty, X could face penalties under the DSA, including fines of up to six percent of its global revenues. In severe and repeated violations, the EU has the authority to ban the platform from operating within the 27-nation bloc.
During the formal probe, the European Commission will continue to gather evidence through additional requests for information, interviews, and inspections.
The proceedings also grant the Commission the power to order X to take interim or remedial measures while the investigation is ongoing.
There is no set deadline for the conclusion of the proceedings.
In addition to X, the European Commission has launched preliminary investigations into TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook owner Meta for their handling of disinformation and illegal content related to the Hamas attack.
The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and the hostage-taking of around 240 individuals.
Israel responded with a heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas control.
According to the Hamas government’s health ministry, more than 18,800 Palestinians, primarily women, young children, and adolescents, have been killed in Israeli bombardments since October 7.
