MEPs Demand Probe into Elon Musk’s Digital Services Act Compliance
A group of 38 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has raised concerns regarding alleged misconduct by Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X. The MEPs have urged the European Commission to assess whether Musk’s actions align with the Digital Services Act (DSA). This request follows a previous decision by the Commission in July, which indicated that X was not in compliance with the DSA. The letter, addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other key EU officials, was initiated by French MEP Nathalie Loiseau and signed by representatives from various political groups, including the European People’s Party, Renew, the Socialists & Democrats, and the Greens.
The letter highlights worries about Musk’s alleged influence in domestic political debates within EU member states, specifically referencing interference in the German election campaign and prior activities in Ireland. Musk’s support for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AFD) party and his controversial statements on X about Irish citizens have raised alarms among the MEPs. They argue that Musk, as a prominent foreign billionaire and potential future member of the Trump Administration, may be using his platform to artificially amplify his personal opinions, potentially misleading users.
The European Commission has been conducting investigations into X’s compliance with the DSA, focusing on issues such as the misuse of blue checks, which are considered “dark patterns,” and the platform’s failure to adhere to transparency rules. Additionally, the Commission is examining whether X has adequately addressed the spread of illegal content, including hate speech and incitement to terrorism. These ongoing proceedings reflect the EU’s commitment to ensuring that digital platforms operate within the legal framework established by the DSA.
The Commission has confirmed that monitoring and proceedings against X are ongoing, although X has not responded to requests for comment. This situation underscores the challenges faced by the EU in regulating large digital platforms and ensuring compliance with its digital laws. As the investigation continues, the outcome could have significant implications for how digital platforms are governed within the EU.
