EU Opens Investigation into 'X' Platform over Alleged Disinformation

The EU is investigating Elon Musk's X over the possible spread of terrorist and violent content, and hate speech, after Hamas' attack on Israel.

The investigation aims to determine whether the platform complies with strict new rules designed to protect user safety online and limit the spread of harmful content.

X, based in San Francisco, has until next Wednesday to respond to inquiries about the functionality of its crisis response system. Additional questions must receive answers by October 31.

The Commission indicated that its subsequent actions, which may involve formal procedures and sanctions, will be guided by the platform’s responses.

Earlier Thursday, the platform removed hundreds of accounts linked to Hamas and labeled or removed thousands of pieces of content since the group's attack on Israel, according to the platform's CEO, Linda Yaccarino.

Yaccarino detailed X's efforts to address illegal content posted on the platform in response to a warning from a senior EU official, who requested information about X's compliance during the Israel-Hamas conflict with the EU's strict new digital regulations.

Yaccarino stated in a message published on the “X” platform, “So far, since the beginning of the conflict, the “X” platform has identified and removed hundreds of accounts affiliated with the Hamas movement from the platform.”

Experts point out that since billionaire Musk acquired 'X' last year and renamed it, the platform has become not only unreliable but also actively promoting lies. 

A study commissioned by the EU found it to be the worst platform for online misinformation.