One day after X (formerly known as Twitter) CEO, Linda Yaccarino, responded to the European Union’s (EU) letter regarding the platform’s role in spreading disinformation in the form of manipulated images, the European Commission has made an announcement. The Commission disclosed that it has initiated an investigation into X’s handling of alleged content dissemination involving illegal material and disinformation.
In a statement, the Commission’s services stated that they are scrutinizing X’s adherence to the Digital Services Act (DSA). This scrutiny encompasses the platform’s policies and procedures pertaining to addressing illegal content, managing complaints, assessing risks, and implementing measures to mitigate identified risks.
Thierry Breton, the EU’s Commissioner for the Internal Market, recently voiced concerns on X that, in light of the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, the Commission possesses indications of X being utilized to propagate illegal content and disinformation within the EU. He also shared a letter he had written to Elon Musk, the owner of X.
In response, X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, composed a detailed four-page letter outlining the actions the company is taking. These measures involve the removal of “hundreds” of Hamas-affiliated accounts and the removal or labeling of tens of thousands of content pieces.
The Commission is now seeking information under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to examine the alleged spread of illegal content and disinformation, particularly concerning terrorist and violent content, and hate speech. X must provide the requested information to the Commission services by October 18, addressing inquiries related to the activation and functioning of X’s crisis response protocol, with responses to other questions due by October 31.
The Commission has stated that the next steps will depend on its assessment of X’s responses, and this could involve the formal initiation of proceedings under Article 66 of the DSA. The Commission holds the authority to impose fines for incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in response to information requests. In the event of X failing to respond, the Commission may choose to demand the information through a decision. Non-compliance by the specified deadlines could result in periodic penalties being imposed on X.
