The European Union has charged Elon Musk's social media company, X, formerly known as Twitter, with breaching online content rules and deceiving users through its blue checkmark verification system. The charges, issued by EU tech regulators on Friday, could result in hefty fines and significant operational changes for X.
Breach of the Digital Services Act
The European Commission's charges come after a seven-month investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This new legislation mandates that large online platforms and search engines address illegal content and public security risks more effectively. The Commission's preliminary findings target X's use of dark patterns that manipulate user behavior, lack of advertising transparency, and restricted data access for researchers.
Controversial Blue Checkmark
The blue checkmark on X, initially intended to verify public figures' identities, was altered by Musk after his acquisition of Twitter in 2022. Now, the checkmark signifies paid subscriber status rather than verified identity. The EU argues this change misleads users, impairing their ability to make informed decisions about account authenticity.
Musk's Defiant Stance
X has rejected the EU's assessment, with Musk threatening legal action. "We look forward to a very public battle in court, so that the people of Europe can know the truth," Musk declared on X. He also accused the Commission of offering a secret deal to censor speech, which X allegedly declined, unlike other platforms.
EU's Firm Response
EU industry chief Thierry Breton responded to Musk's claims by inviting him to court and denying any secret deals. Breton emphasized that the DSA allows platforms to offer commitments to resolve cases. The Commission has also criticized X for not complying with DSA requirements for ad transparency and blocking researchers from accessing public data.
Potential Consequences
If X is found guilty of breaching the DSA, the company could face fines up to 6% of its global turnover. "X has now the right of defense — but if our view is confirmed, we will impose fines and require significant changes," Breton stated. Ongoing investigations are also examining illegal content dissemination and disinformation measures on X.
Broader Impact
The EU's actions against X highlight the broader enforcement of the DSA, with other platforms like ByteDance's TikTok, AliExpress, and Meta Platforms also under investigation. These developments underscore the EU's commitment to regulating online content and ensuring user protection in the digital age.
Source: Reuters
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