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Soon after Hamas’ attack on Israel this year, the European Union (EU) wrote a letter to X (previously Twitter) warning the social media platform that it is being used to spread misinformation. The company was also urged to be timely and in taking action and removing the relevant content. It seems that X was not diligent enough as the EU regulators announced the opening of a formal investigation into the handling of alleged spreading of illegal content and disinformation by the company.
The European Commission will assess whether X may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to risk management, content moderation, dark patterns, advertising transparency and data access for researchers.
“On the basis of the preliminary investigation conducted so far, including on the basis of an analysis of the risk assessment report submitted by X in September, X’s Transparency report published on 3 November, and X’s replies to a formal request for information, which, among others, concerned the dissemination of illegal content in the context of Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the Commission has decided to open formal infringement proceedings against X under the Digital Services Act,” the Commission said in a statement.
Focus areas of proceedings:
According to the Commission, the proceedings will focus on four areas:
The European Commission will assess whether X may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to risk management, content moderation, dark patterns, advertising transparency and data access for researchers.
“On the basis of the preliminary investigation conducted so far, including on the basis of an analysis of the risk assessment report submitted by X in September, X’s Transparency report published on 3 November, and X’s replies to a formal request for information, which, among others, concerned the dissemination of illegal content in the context of Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the Commission has decided to open formal infringement proceedings against X under the Digital Services Act,” the Commission said in a statement.
Focus areas of proceedings:
According to the Commission, the proceedings will focus on four areas:
- The compliance with the DSA obligations related to countering the dissemination of illegal content in the EU.
- The effectiveness of measures taken to combat information manipulation on the platform.
- The measures taken by X to increase the transparency of its platform. The investigation concerns suspected shortcomings in giving researchers access to X’s publicly accessible data.
- A suspected deceptive design of the user interface, notably in relation to checkmarks linked to certain subscription products, the so-called Blue checks.
What next
After the formal opening of proceedings, the Commission will continue to gather evidence and allow it to take enforcement steps, such as interim measures, and non-compliance decisions. The Commission can also accept any commitment made by X to remedy on the matters subject to the proceeding.
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