The European Commission said it had opened formal proceedings to investigate X — formerly Twitter — over content related to the terrorist group Hamas’ attacks against Israel.
In a Dec. 18 notice, the commission said it planned to assess whether X violated the Digital Services Act for its response to misinformation and illegal content on the platform. According to the government body, X was under investigation for the effectiveness of its Community Notes — comments added to specific tweets aimed at providing context — as well as policies “mitigating risks to civic discourse and electoral processes.”
“The opening of formal proceedings empowers the Commission to take further enforcement steps, such as interim measures, and non-compliance decisions,” said the notice. “The Commission is also empowered to accept any commitment made by X to remedy on the matters subject to the proceeding.”
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 proceedings will include a look into X’s blue check mark system, which the commission described as a “suspected deceptive design” on the platform. According to the European Commission, there were also “suspected shortcomings” in X’s efforts to increase the transparency of the platform’s publicly available data.
X owner Elon Musk implemented controversial policies at the social media giant following his purchase of Twitter in 2022, receiving criticism from many long-time users and tech industry experts. The then-CEO was responsible for cutting Twitter’s trust and safety team, reducing the number of content moderators, and replacing the platform’s signature blue check verification system.
Related: Elon Musk slams NFTs but ends up arguing the case for Bitcoin Ordinals
Following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, Musk used his personal account to promote antisemitic content by replying to a tweet promoting far-right conspiracy theories. The watchdog group Media Matters released a report in November showing that advertisements on X for large firms were able to be featured alongside pro-Nazi content under certain search conditions.
During a Nov. 29 interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Musk told advertisers to “go f— yourself” following many leaving the platform, saying the exodus was “gonna kill the company.” The social media site claimed it was “the platform for free speech” after filing a lawsuit against Media Matters, alleging the group’s report did not reflect what the typical X user sees.
At the time of publication, Musk had not publicly commented on the European Commission investigation. The former Twitter CEO is known in the crypto space for pushing Dogecoin (DOGE) and other tokens, as well as his Bitcoin (BTC) purchases while heading Tesla and SpaceX.
Magazine: Terrorism & Israel-Gaza war weaponized to destroy crypto
Cracking Down on Illegal Content: EU Commission Takes Aim at X
In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the presence of illegal content and activities on the internet. The spread of fake news, terrorist propaganda, and other harmful content has become a major issue that needs to be addressed urgently. As a result, governments and regulatory bodies across the world have been taking measures to tackle this problem. In the European Union (EU), the Commission has been at the forefront of efforts to crack down on illegal content, particularly on a specific platform known as X. In this article, we will delve into the details of this issue and how the EU Commission is taking aim at X to combat illegal content.
What is X?
X is a popular online platform that allows users to share and discover a wide range of media content, including videos, images, and GIFs. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it is one of the largest social media platforms in the world. While it has become a go-to source for entertainment and information for many, it has also been plagued by illegal content and activities.
The EU Commission’s Concerns
In recent years, the EU Commission has expressed growing concerns over the presence of illegal content on X. In 2018, the Commission released a Communication on Tackling Illegal Content Online, highlighting the need for stronger measures to combat this issue. It called for all online platforms, including X, to take more responsibility in preventing the spread of illegal content on their platforms.
The Commission’s concerns were further amplified in 2019 when a shocking incident took place on X. A live stream of a terrorist attack on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, was broadcasted on the platform, leaving 51 people dead. This incident raised serious questions about X’s role in monitoring and removing illegal content from its platform.
The EU Commission Takes Action
In response to these concerns, the EU Commission has taken several steps to address the issue of illegal content on X and other online platforms. Some of these measures include:
1. The EU Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online
In 2016, the EU Commission, together with major online platforms, including X, signed the EU Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online. This voluntary code of conduct sets out a common approach to combating hate speech online, including swift and effective cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
2. The EU Terrorist Content Regulation
In September 2020, the EU Terrorist Content Regulation was adopted, which requires online platforms to remove terrorist content within one hour once it has been flagged by law enforcement authorities. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in hefty fines of up to €4 million or 4% of the platform’s global annual turnover.
3. The Digital Services Act
The EU Commission has also proposed the Digital Services Act, which aims to modernize the rules for digital services in the EU, including online platforms like X. Under this act, online platforms will have to implement stronger measures to prevent the spread of illegal content and activities on their platforms. They will also have to report regularly on their efforts to remove such content.
The Benefits of Cracking Down on Illegal Content
The crackdown on illegal content on X and other online platforms has numerous benefits, including:
1. Protecting users: The presence of harmful and illegal content can put users in danger, both physically and emotionally. By removing such content, the EU Commission is ensuring the safety and well-being of online users.
2. Combating hate speech and extremism: Online platforms, like X, have been used by extremist groups to spread their messages and recruit new members. By cracking down on illegal content, the Commission is taking a stand against hate speech and extremism.
3. Upholding the rule of law: The spread of illegal content on online platforms undermines the rule of law. By holding platforms accountable for the content on their platforms, the Commission is upholding the law and promoting a safe and responsible online environment.
Practical Tips for avoiding illegal content
While the EU Commission is taking effective steps to combat illegal content on X, users also have a responsibility to be mindful of what they consume and share online. Here are some practical tips to avoid illegal content:
1. Use reputable sources: When consuming news or information online, make sure to use reputable sources. Avoid sharing content from unknown or unverified sources.
2. Report illegal content: If you come across any illegal content on X, report it to the platform immediately. This will help in faster removal of such content.
3. Be cautious of clickbait: Avoid clicking on sensational or provocative headlines, as they are often associated with fake news or misleading information.
Case Study: The success of the EU Hate Speech Code of Conduct
Since its adoption in 2016, the EU Hate Speech Code of Conduct has been instrumental in tackling hate speech online. According to the latest monitoring report, the participating companies have successfully assessed 90% of all flagged content, with a 71% removal rate of illegal hate speech within 24 hours. This shows the effectiveness of such codes in combating illegal content online.
First-Hand Experience: A victim of illegal content shares her story
“I was a victim of revenge porn that was shared on X without my consent. It was a traumatic experience, and I felt helpless. However, thanks to the EU Commission’s efforts in cracking down on illegal content, I was able to get the content removed quickly. I am grateful for their actions and hope that more steps are taken to protect online users.” – Sarah, 26
In conclusion, the EU Commission is taking strong and necessary steps in cracking down on illegal content, particularly on X. With the adoption of regulations and acts such as the EU Terrorist Content Regulation and the Digital Services Act, the Commission is sending a clear message that illegal content will not be tolerated on online platforms. While these measures are crucial in ensuring a safer and more responsible internet, users also have a responsibility to be cautious when consuming and sharing content online. By working together, we can create a more positive and secure online space for everyone.