Digital Services Act actions escalate over X platform
In mid October the European Commission pressed social networks to explain how they handle illegal content and disinformation on their services. Two months later the Commission intensified the matter, stating that the platform run by Elon Musk might breach the Digital Services Act DSA. The rules in force since late August cover risk management, content moderation, advertising transparency and researcher data access among other requirements.
“Today formal proceedings are being opened against him. The rules are clear, obligations are defined, supervision is strict, measures can be applied rapidly, and penalties will deter noncompliance. We will use our enforcement toolbox to protect citizens and democratic processes,” said the internal market commissioner. This marks the first formal step under the DSA against the platform.
We are filing a formal infringement action today against X. This is a response to concerns about illegal content and disinformation, as well as issues related to transparency obligations and potential deceptive design of the user interface, all linked to the DSA.
Warnings were shared publicly on social media as the investigation began. The statements highlighted suspected violations of reciprocal obligations and disclosures tied to the platform’s operations. The tone stressed that the European Commission will continue with formal legal action to ensure compliance with the DSA and to safeguard European citizens in line with the Digital Services Act framework.
Preliminary steps taken by the managing body included a risk assessment on the spread of illegal content amid ongoing conflicts. This assessment did not dispel Brussels concerns and an in depth investigation was ordered as a priority. The Commission made clear that sanctions can reach up to a significant portion of a company’s global turnover if breaches are confirmed, though the outcome of the process remains undecided at this stage.
Competition officials underscored the seriousness of any breach and affirmed the intention to review X for full compliance with the DSA. The goal is to ensure that European citizens are protected as required by the applicable rules and obligations set out in the broader regulatory framework. The statements and actions reflect a calculated approach to uphold safety and transparency in online spaces.
four problems
The Community Manager identified four core concerns. First, adherence to obligations aimed at limiting illegal content within the EU. This includes the risk assessment and the measures the company has put in place to curb the spread of such content. Brussels is also focused on how well the notice and action mechanism for illegal content ordered by the DSA operates in practice.
Second, there is doubt about how effective the platform’s measures are in countering information manipulation during global events. This includes the impact of the so called Community Grades system and the overall policies meant to reduce risks to election integrity. Another point concerns the steps taken to improve platform transparency and how data is shared with the public under the rules in force for researchers and regulators.
Third, questions remain about access to publicly available data by researchers, as outlined in Section 40 of the DSA. Fourth, Brussels suspects a potentially misleading design in the user interface, with particular attention to the blue check verification model and how it is presented to users. These elements together form a comprehensive picture of the concerns the Commission seeks to address under the DSA framework, with the aim of ensuring fair and safe use of online platforms across the European Union.