The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings to investigate X, formerly known as Twitter, over concerns related to content linked to the terrorist group Hamas' attacks against Israel. The inquiry, announced on December 18, will focus on whether X violated the Digital Services Act, particularly in its response to misinformation and illegal content on the platform. The investigation will assess the effectiveness of X's Community Notes, policies mitigating risks to civic discourse, and its handling of electoral processes.


The proceedings will also scrutinize X's blue check mark system, described by the commission as a "suspected deceptive design" on the platform. Additionally, the European Commission expressed concerns about "suspected shortcomings" in X's efforts to enhance the transparency of publicly available data.

X, under the ownership of Elon Musk, implemented controversial policies after the tech mogul's acquisition of Twitter in 2022. These changes, including a reduction in content moderators, alterations to the blue check verification system, and other shifts, drew criticism from long-time users and industry experts.

Elon Musk, who took over as CEO, faced backlash for promoting antisemitic content on the platform following an attack by Hamas on Israel. In November, a report from the watchdog group Media Matters revealed that advertisements on X for major companies appeared alongside pro-Nazi content under specific search conditions.

During a November 29 interview, Musk responded to advertisers leaving the platform by telling them to "go f--- yourself," expressing concerns that the exodus could harm the company. X has positioned itself as "the platform for free speech" and filed a lawsuit against Media Matters, claiming that the report did not accurately represent the typical X user's experience.

The European Commission's formal proceedings empower it to take enforcement steps, including interim measures and non-compliance decisions. X has the opportunity to remedy the matters under investigation by offering commitments. The investigation raises questions about X's compliance with regulatory standards and its role in curbing the spread of misinformation and illegal content.

Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space, has not publicly commented on the European Commission's investigation at the time of publication. Known for his involvement in promoting cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin and making significant Bitcoin purchases while leading Tesla and SpaceX, Musk's role in X's policies adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny.

As the investigation unfolds, it will likely shape the discourse around social media platforms' responsibilities in addressing harmful content and promoting transparency. The outcome of the European Commission's inquiry may influence regulatory approaches to digital platforms, emphasizing the need for effective measures to combat misinformation and hate speech.

(TURNER WRIGHT, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)