EU Launches ‘Illegal Content’ Probe into Musk’s X Platform (formerly Twitter)

The European Union (EU) has announced an investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform, previously known as Twitter, over alleged illegal content. The probe comes as concerns mount over the spread of misinformation and harmful content on social media platforms.

The EU’s decision to launch this probe is part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and address issues related to online content. The investigation will focus on whether X platform has taken sufficient measures to combat illegal content, including hate speech, terrorist propaganda, and disinformation.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X platform. This move was met with mixed reactions, with some praising Musk’s innovative vision, while others expressed concerns about his ability to effectively moderate and control the content on the platform.

The EU probe is seen as a significant step towards holding social media platforms accountable for the content shared on their platforms. In recent years, there have been numerous instances where harmful content has spread rapidly on social media, leading to real-world consequences.

The investigation will examine whether X platform has implemented adequate measures to detect and remove illegal content, as well as whether it has established transparent reporting mechanisms for users to report such content. The EU will also assess X platform’s cooperation with law enforcement agencies and its response to requests for content removal.

This probe comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents involving misinformation and harmful content on social media platforms, including the spread of fake news during the 2016 US presidential election and the role of social media in the organization of the Capitol Hill riots in 2021.

The EU has been actively working towards the regulation of social media platforms to prevent the misuse and abuse of online platforms. In 2021, the EU introduced the Digital Services Act, which aims to establish rules and responsibilities for online intermediaries, including social media platforms.

The investigation into X platform is expected to be a test case for the EU’s regulatory framework for social media platforms. If the probe finds evidence of non-compliance with EU regulations, it could lead to significant penalties for X platform, including fines and potential restrictions on its operations within the EU.

Elon Musk, known for his active presence on social media, has previously faced criticism for his controversial tweets. His tweets have moved markets, sparked debates, and even led to legal actions. The investigation into X platform will likely raise questions about Musk’s responsibility as the owner of a major social media platform.

The EU’s decision to launch this probe also reflects a global trend towards increased scrutiny of social media platforms. Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are becoming increasingly concerned about the influence and power that these platforms hold, and are taking measures to ensure greater accountability and transparency.

The investigation into X platform will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of social media regulation. It will set a precedent for how governments and regulatory bodies approach issues such as illegal content, misinformation, and the responsibilities of social media platforms in the digital age.

As the probe unfolds, the world will be closely watching the outcome and its implications for the broader regulation of social media platforms.

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#BREAKING EU launches ‘illegal content’ probe into Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) pic.twitter.com/Qfv8lSWu7z

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 18, 2023

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@AFP said #BREAKING EU launches 'illegal content' probe into Musk's X platform (formerly Twitter)

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