EU Intensifies Investigation into Elon Musk’s X Over Content Moderation Compliance

Commission demands algorithmic transparency and accountability under the Digital Services Act.

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Probing Alleged Breaches of the Digital Services Act Amid Political and Regulatory Turmoil

The European Commission announced on Friday its decision to escalate its investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for alleged violations of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The inquiry focuses on whether X’s content moderation practices and recommendation algorithms align with the DSA’s stringent requirements.

Expanding the Scope of Inquiry
Initially launched in December 2023, the probe now demands that X provide detailed internal documentation regarding its recommendation systems and recent modifications by February 15, 2025. This includes compliance with a “retention order,” compelling the platform to preserve records of algorithm changes through the end of 2025.

EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stressed the importance of transparency, stating:

“We are taking further steps to shed light on the compliance of X’s recommender systems with the obligations under the DSA.”

The Commission has also requested access to X’s technical interfaces to analyze content moderation processes and assess the virality of specific accounts. These measures are intended to evaluate systemic risks, particularly in contexts such as election integrity and the amplification of specific narratives.

A Clash of Ideologies
The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Musk’s role in European political discourse. Musk’s endorsement of far-right groups like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the UK’s Reform Party has drawn accusations of election interference. Critics argue his actions undermine democratic processes, although Musk maintains these criticisms infringe on free speech.

The DSA aims to mitigate the risks posed by hate speech and misinformation, especially during critical periods such as elections. EU regulators have also expressed concerns about “shadow banning” and algorithmic biases potentially favoring specific viewpoints.

Political and Industry Reactions
The regulatory measures coincide with the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, a staunch critic of EU policies. Trump’s alignment with tech leaders like Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has fueled resistance against European regulations. Zuckerberg recently halted Meta’s U.S. fact-checking initiatives, signaling a broader push against perceived “censorship laws” in Europe.

Industry Pushback
The escalation has drawn criticism from Musk and other tech executives, who argue that the EU’s regulatory framework stifles innovation. Musk has previously criticized the DSA for overreach, framing it as a barrier to free expression and technological advancement.

The Broader Implications
The investigation marks a pivotal moment for the EU’s regulatory framework and its ability to hold global tech giants accountable. As the Commission proceeds, the findings may set precedents for the governance of digital platforms worldwide.

The resolution of this high-stakes inquiry will likely shape not only the future of X but also the broader discourse on the balance between free speech and responsible platform governance.

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