EU Launches First-Ever DSA Probe Against Elon Musk’s X
The European Union has opened its first formal investigation under the new Digital Services Act (DSA) against Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. The probe will assess potential breaches in handling illegal content, disinformation, and data transparency.
Key Focus of the Investigation
- Effectiveness of X’s “Community Notes” fact-checking system in the EU.
- Compliance with rules against illegal content and disinformation.
- Transparency of advertising and suspected “deceptive design” of the user interface, especially for paid “blue check” accounts.
- Access to public data for researchers as mandated by the DSA.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, announced the formal infringement proceedings on Monday. This action follows an earlier request for information in October, which the Commission deemed insufficient.
“Today we open formal infringement proceedings against X” under the DSA, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said in a post on X. “The Commission will now investigate X’s systems and policies against DSA obligations on countering the dissemination and amplification of illegal content and disinformation in the EU, transparency of the platforms and design of the user interface.”
Potential Consequences for X
As the first company to face a formal DSA probe, X risks a fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue if found guilty of breaching the rules. The DSA applies to large online platforms with over 45 million users in the EU.
The investigation specifically stems from concerns about the platform’s use in spreading terrorist content, violent material, and hate speech following the Hamas attacks on Israel.
X’s Response and Next Steps
In a statement, X said it remains committed to DSA compliance and is cooperating with regulators. The company emphasized the need for a process “free of political influence.”
“The DSA is here to protect both freedom of expression and our democracies — including in times of elections,” Breton said. “Our teams will now carry out an in-depth investigation.”
The Commission clarified that opening proceedings does not prejudge the outcome and has not set a legal deadline for completing the probe.
