The European Union has launched an investigation into social network X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the spread of disinformation regarding the conflict in Israel. Elon Musk’s platform will face sanctions if a breach is detected, according to reports Policy.
The social network will need to be tested for compliance with the requirements of the new European digital services legislation that comes into force in August 2023. Under this law, social media operators must remove information found to be false by a network of independent fact-checkers supported by the European Commission. Otherwise, operators will face a fine of 6% of the company’s global revenue. According to Politico, this is the first such investigation in the EU.
Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said the digital services law aims to protect freedom of expression and democracy, including in times of crisis. It alleges that Hamas images published by X were used to spread illegal content and disinformation within the EU.
American businessman Elon Musk, the owner of X, rejected the accusations of European Commissioner Thierry Breton and said that his social network is an open and transparent platform. He also noted that the European Commission did not provide specific examples of disinformation allegedly spreading on social networks. Musk added that X follows its policy that all accounts be considered open sources of information.
X Chief Executive Officer Linda Yaccarino responded to the concerns raised by Breton in a public letter, saying the company was “actively working to meet the operational needs of a rapidly evolving conflict.”
The European Commission will make a decision, the consequences of which could lead to the initiation of official proceedings after October 31.
It is stated that Breton also sent a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta (known as an extremist and banned in Russia), demanding that the company remove misinformation from its social network pages and provide a report on the work done within 24 hours.
Previously Elon Musk I started trading beer.