EU Intensifies Probe into Musk’s X for DSA Compliance

The European Commission has intensified its investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, following Musk’s controversial interactions with European far-right figures. This scrutiny comes just before Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency, with Musk poised to take a significant role in the new administration. The Commission’s probe, initiated in December 2023, focuses on potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly concerning a live-streamed chat between Musk and Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The European Commission is under pressure to determine whether X’s algorithms unfairly promoted the Weidel livestream, potentially influencing the upcoming German elections. In response, the Commission has mandated X to disclose recent and future system changes by February 15, which might reveal if the stream received a boost. X is also required to preserve information on system modifications until the investigation concludes or the end of the year.

Additionally, the Commission seeks direct access to X’s interfaces to better understand the platform’s viral content mechanisms. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with the DSA, a law designed to regulate digital services across the EU. The Commission previously found X in breach of the DSA over issues related to its verification program and advertising transparency, with potential fines reaching up to 6 percent of its global turnover.

The investigation highlights the EU’s commitment to enforcing digital regulations and ensuring fair competition. European lawmakers are scheduled to question the Commission about X’s compliance with the DSA, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in digital platforms.

Source: EU steps up scrutiny of X as anger grows over Musk’s political meddling