The European Commission recently issued a warning to X Corp. owner Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino concerning the spread of illegal content, including incitements to violence and hate speech, on its social media platform. The warning highlighted the potential risks associated with the dissemination of harmful content in the EU, especially during major political events like debates and elections.
Thierry Breton, European commissioner for the internal market, wrote a letter to Musk and Yaccarino, emphasizing the need for X Corp. to address the issue of illegal content on its platform. Breton urged the company to ensure the effectiveness of its systems in preventing hate speech and violence and report the measures taken to his team promptly. The letter was posted on X’s platform, raising concerns about the impact of harmful content on EU citizens.
In response to the warning letter, Yaccarino criticized the Commission’s attempt to extend European laws to political activities in the US. She argued that European citizens are capable of making their own judgments about the content they consume and viewed the warning as patronizing. Musk, who is set to host Donald Trump on a streaming platform, defended the upcoming conversation as an unscripted event.
The European Commission reminded Musk of the due diligence obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires online platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech and harmful content. X Corp., with its large user base, is designated as a Very Large Online Platform and must comply with European laws. The company is currently under investigation for potential breaches of the DSA, and the EU is prepared to take action to protect its citizens from serious harm.
Recent riots in the UK were attributed to disinformation spread on social media platforms, including X, falsely identifying the perpetrators of attacks. Musk’s incendiary comments about the situation in the UK, suggesting the possibility of a civil war, have been criticized by British officials. The spread of fake news, such as claims about detainment camps on the Falkland Islands, has further fueled tensions and raised concerns about accountability on social media platforms.
The European Commission initiated an investigation into X Corp.’s compliance with the DSA last year, with ongoing assessments of the company’s practices. The EU has the authority to enforce interim measures, such as changes to recommender systems and fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue, for violations of the DSA. X Corp. has been accused of breaking rules related to dark patterns, advertising transparency, and data access, prompting regulatory scrutiny and potential penalties.
The warning issued by the European Commission underscores the importance of addressing the spread of illegal content on social media platforms like X Corp. Failure to comply with EU laws and regulations may result in penalties and restrictions, highlighting the need for effective measures to prevent hate speech and violence online. The ongoing investigation into X Corp.’s practices serves as a reminder of the accountability that large online platforms have in safeguarding users and upholding regulatory standards.
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