EU warns Musk over misinformation about Israel-Hamas conflict
X could face fines up to 6% of its annual revenue
The European Union has threatened to punish X, formerly known as Twitter, for failing to combat misinformation related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a letter to Elon Musk, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton warned that X could face fines up to 6% of its global annual revenue if it does not comply with new Digital Services Act (DSA).
We have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU, Breton wrote. "Let me remind you that the Digital Services Act sets very precise obligations regarding content moderation,"
The letter follows reports by researchers of an explosion of false claims, manipulated images and conspiracy theories circulating unchecked on X since the start of the war.
The DSA imposes a set of due diligence obligations in relation to disinformation and illegal content on hosting services, search engines, app stores, content sharing platforms, online platforms and "very large online platforms" (VLOPs) with 45 million or more registered EU users, a category that includes X.
Platforms are not legally liable for harmful or illegal content posted by users, but the DSA requires that swift action is to remove it. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to 6% of global revenue.
Breton accused X of causing confusion with recent policy changes, which have allowed misinformation to spread. He gave Musk 24 hours to explain how X will improve enforcement, and said he should also work with Europol to address the issues.
Musk has made a number of controversial changes since taking over Twitter in October 2022, including mass firings that gutted its trust and safety teams. This has hampered the platform's ability to combat misinformation, especially during fast-moving news events.
Musk has also personally promoted accounts that propagate conspiracy theories.
The threat from the EU presents a serious challenge to Musk's stated goals for light-touch content moderation on X and his ability to balance his stated free speech ideals with a spread of dangerous misinformation.
Twitter has long played a vital role for those looking for up-to-the-minute information about unfurling events. However, the loss of moderation on X and the fact that anyone can now buy a "verified" blue tick account means that trust in the veracity of the information on the platform has fallen.
Commentators have complained that it's impossible to follow the conflict, because of the flood of misinformation.
Some are turning to other sites, such as Bluesky and Mastodon, which make selling-point of content moderation. However, X remains the most widely used social media platform for following breaking news.
Any fine by the EU would add to the platform's already serious financial woes. Twitter/X has seen a substantial decline in monthly ad revenue, with year-over-year decreases of at least 55% recorded since Musk took over.