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The European Union has launched an investigation into X, formerly known as Twitter, into the way illegal content and disinformation about terrorism and violence were spread on its platform in the wake of Hamas attacks on Israel.
Two people with direct knowledge of the matter said EU officials have sent out a series of questions that social media platforms must answer by next week.
The formal investigation, the first launched under the newly approved Digital Services Act, comes days after European Commissioner Thierry Breton wrote to billionaire Elon Musk , expressing concerns that the platform “is being used to spread illegal content and false information.”
People familiar with the matter said X’s failure to respond or submit incomplete or misleading information could result in periodic penalties or fines of up to 5% of the company’s daily global turnover.
EU investigators are also seeking to understand how X prepared to respond during the “crisis” and the protocols it had in place to deal with misinformation. Companies have until the end of the month to respond to the committee.
The move marks the first time Brussels regulators have exercised the powers of the DSA, which regulate how big tech companies should regulate the internet and aim to keep European citizens safe online.
The EU investigation follows concerns over the proliferation of misinformation on X related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to posts containing graphic images that have garnered millions of views.
Under EU rules, X is considered a “very large online platform” and has special responsibilities for monitoring online content.
On Tuesday, Breton warned Musk that the company must take “appropriate and effective mitigation measures” to deal with disinformation.
“We have received reports from qualified sources regarding the distribution of potentially illegal content on your service, despite warnings from relevant authorities,” Brayton added.
In response to the commissioner’s letter, Musk wrote: “Our policy is that everything is open source and transparent, and I know the EU supports this approach. Please list the violations you mentioned on X so that (sic ) The public can see them. Thanks, beautiful.”
The DSA Enforcement Commissioner responded: “You are well aware of reports from your users and authorities regarding false content and glorification of violence. It is up to you to prove that you practice what you preach.”
X is not the only company under pressure from the EU. On Thursday, Breton also wrote to TikTok to remind them of their responsibilities in the DSA and to step up enforcement.
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