The European Commission recently issued a warning to X Corp. owner, Elon Musk, and CEO Linda Yaccarino about the potential penalties and restrictions the company may face in Europe if it does not address the spread of illegal content on its social media platform. The commission specifically raised concerns about the dissemination of content that incites violence, hate speech, and racism, especially in the context of major political or societal events around the world.
Following the receipt of the letter from European Commissioner Thierry Breton, Yaccarino criticized the attempt to apply European laws to political activities in the US, calling it an “unprecedented” move. She argued that European citizens are capable of drawing their own conclusions when listening to conversations, implying that the regulation would be unnecessary and patronizing.
The European Commission reminded Musk of the due diligence obligations outlined in the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires social networks and streaming platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech and harmful content. X Corp. is reported to have 300 million users worldwide, with one-third based in the EU, making it subject to the regulations set forth in the DSA.
Recent incidents in the UK highlighted the impact of disinformation on X and other social media platforms. Musk’s controversial comments, including suggesting the possibility of civil war in the UK and sharing false information about detainment camps, have drawn criticism from British officials. The UK’s technology minister described dealing with platforms like X as challenging due to their scale and scope.
The European Commission initiated an investigation into X Corp. last year to assess compliance with the DSA, with ongoing evaluations of the company’s activities. Breton warned of potential spillovers of illegal content in the EU, even when originating from other jurisdictions. The EU has the authority to enforce interim measures and impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue for DSA violations.
The European Commission previously accused X of violating rules related to dark patterns, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers. These accusations further highlight the regulatory scrutiny facing the company and the need for compliance with EU regulations on social media and streaming platforms.
Overall, the warning issued by the European Commission underscores the growing concerns about the spread of illegal content on social media platforms and the implications for user safety and societal well-being. As X Corp. navigates the regulatory landscape in Europe, it will need to address these challenges effectively to avoid penalties and restrictions that could impact its operations in the region.
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