Highlights
- EU initiates formal investigation into X for DSA compliance.
- Focus on X’s handling of illegal content and misinformation.
- Investigation includes scrutiny of X’s content moderation strategies.
- X under scrutiny for transparency and user interface design.
X (formerly Twitter) has not had a particularly smooth sailing since Elon Musk took over the company early this year.
The social media behemoth has been embroiled in one controversy after another and it seems that the problems are beginning to mount.
The European Union (EU) has now initiated a formal investigation into X, scrutinizing its adherence to the Digital Services Act (DSA).
This investigation, a first of its kind under the DSA, focuses on X’s content moderation strategies, particularly concerning the output of of misinformation and illegal content related to the Israel-Gaza conflict and other areas.
X Formal Investigation: What is Happening
We have opened formal proceedings to assess whether X may have breached the #DSA in areas linked to:
🔹 risk management
🔹 content moderation
🔹 dark patterns
🔹 advertising transparency
🔹 data access for researchersMore information on next steps: https://t.co/VHJjIsVftY pic.twitter.com/oygKah5GIq
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) December 18, 2023
The EU Commission’s X formal investigation wants to assess whether the platform has breached the DSA in several key areas.
Top on the list is the platform’s management of illegal content, especially regarding the dissemination of information related to Hamas’ terrorist activities against Israel.
“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,” said Thierry Breton, EU commissioner for internal markets.
Another crucial aspect of the X formal investigation is the platform’s approach to combating information manipulation.
The commission is scrutinizing the effectiveness of X’s ‘Community Notes’ system in the EU, assessing whether it is having any impact on civic discourse and electoral processes.
Following the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, there have been numerous instances of disinformation and misinformation on X regarding the situation.
Reports indicate that the platform has seen a spread of videos and images shared out of context, alongside a network of accounts propagating false and provocative content.
Additionally, there are concerns that X has been ineffective in removing posts that breach its guidelines.
Transparency and User Interface Concerns
X remains committed to complying with the Digital Services Act and is cooperating with the regulatory process. It is important that this process remains free of political influence and follows the law. X is focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all users on our…
— Safety (@Safety) December 18, 2023
Not limiting itself to just the potential of X for spreading fake news, the investigation also delves into X’s transparency regarding advertising and data access for researchers.
The EU is concerned about potential shortcomings in X’s public data accessibility and its ads repository.
Additionally, the probe includes an examination of the platform’s user interface, particularly the design and implementation of the Blue checkmarks.
In response to all these allegations, the Safety Account on X posted the following message:
“X remains committed to complying with the Digital Services Act and is cooperating with the regulatory process. It is important that this process remains free of political influence and follows the law. X is focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all users on our platform, while protecting freedom of expression, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal.”
Potential Breaches and Implications
The X formal investigation could confirm breaches in eight different requirements of the DSA, including Articles 34(1), 34(2), 35(1), 16(5), 16(6), 25(1), 39, and 40(12).
These breaches pertain to various aspects of content moderation, transparency, and platform design.
This formal investigation into X comes amidst broader regulatory scrutiny under the DSA.
In April 2023, the EU designated “Very Large Online Platforms” (VLOPs), including X and other major platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Amazon, Google Search, and Apple’s App Store, for regulation under the DSA.
FAQs
What is the Scope of the EU’s Formal Investigation into X?
The EU’s X formal investigation is evaluating whether X has breached several aspects of the Digital Services Act.
Primary concerns include the platform’s management of illegal content related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, its effectiveness in combating information manipulation, and the adequacy of its notice and action mechanisms.
How is X Responding to the Allegations?
X has publicly committed to adhering to the Digital Services Act, stating their cooperation with the regulatory process.
The platform emphasizes its dedication to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, upholding freedom of expression while working towards regulatory compliance.
What are the Additional Concerns in the X Formal Investigation?
Beyond content moderation, the EU’s investigation into X also delves into issues of advertising transparency and data access for researchers.
There’s also a focus on the platform’s user interface, particularly concerning the implementation of Blue checkmarks.
What Could be the Consequences for X if Breaches are Confirmed?
If the X formal investigation confirms breaches in the DSA, X could face repercussions for violating up to eight different articles of the Act.
This includes articles related to content moderation, advertising transparency, and platform design, which could lead to significant regulatory actions.
How can I restore the Twitter icon on my iPhone?
By using the Shortcuts app, you can create a new shortcut to open the rebranded Twitter (X) with the original logo. Hide the new X app and use this shortcut instead.
What methods are available to change the Twitter icon on Android?
You can use third-party apps like Icon Changer and X Icon Changer to modify the icon and add the downloaded Twitter logo to your home screen.
Can I revert to the original Twitter logo on Chrome and Microsoft Edge?
Yes, Chrome users can utilize the “Old Twitter Extension,” while Edge users can install “Remove Twitter Counts and Restore Old Logo” to revert to the original blue bird logo.
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