A European regulator announced on Thursday that it has formally requested information from X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding the spread of illegal content and disinformation during the Israel-Hamas conflict. This request was made as part of an investigation by the European Commission into X’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).
In a tweet, Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, expressed the Commission’s intention to protect freedom of expression and democracy, even during times of crisis. The DSA, which came into effect in late August, requires platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU to scan and remove illegal content from their services. Non-compliance with the DSA could lead to fines amounting to 6% of a company’s annual revenue.
Breton sent a letter to X’s owner, Elon Musk, expressing concern about the spread of disinformation and violent content on the platform, urging Musk to respond within 24 hours. He also sent a similar letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding disinformation on Facebook.
The European Commission stated that its formal request to X focuses on investigating the company’s compliance with the DSA, particularly its policies and practices regarding illegal content, complaint handling, risk assessment, and risk mitigation measures. X is required to provide the EC with its crisis response protocol by Oct. 18 and other relevant data by Oct. 31.
Once the information is provided, the EC will assess the next steps to be taken. X, as a Very Large Online Platform, is obligated to comply with the DSA provisions introduced since late August 2023, which include assessing and mitigating risks related to illegal content, disinformation, gender-based violence, and any negative impacts on fundamental rights, child rights, public security, and mental well-being.
X declined to comment on the formal request for information.
Earlier on Thursday, X CEO Linda Yaccarino issued a statement in response to Breton’s warning letter. The statement highlighted the company’s redistribution of resources and the focused efforts of internal teams to address the rapidly evolving situation arising from the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.
X also shared a letter to the EC on Twitter, indicating that they have taken action to remove or label tens of thousands of pieces of content since the terrorist attack. Additionally, Community Notes have been placed on thousands of posts, generating millions of impressions.
The company assured that it continues to promptly respond to law enforcement requests, including those from EU member states. At the time of receiving Breton’s letter, X had not received any notices from Europol regarding illegal content on the platform.
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