The Commission’s Ongoing Review of X
The European Commission began closely examining X in 2023 due to controversies over its content moderation, advertising transparency, and the potential manipulation of its algorithms for political gain.
In July 2024, the Commission found that X had breached several provisions of the DSA, including failing to provide access to crucial data for research, not complying with advertising transparency rules, and misusing its verification system, which allowed fraudsters to impersonate others. As a result, the Commission has launched a deeper investigation into X, focusing on its role in potentially boosting far-right political messaging.
In December 2024, Elon Musk’s livestream with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s nationalist AfD party, raised alarm about the possibility of algorithmic manipulation to favour specific political parties ahead of Germany’s February 2025 parliamentary elections.
This prompted the Commission to take further regulatory steps, including requiring X to provide detailed information about recent algorithmic changes and retaining relevant data on content-serving practices. The outcome of this investigation could lead to hefty fines and stricter oversight of the platform’s operations within the EU.
The EU’s Response: A Balancing Act
Thierry Breton, the former DSA lead enforcer, who had multiple confrontations with Musk during his time as Commissioner, addressed concerns about the livestream interview on X.
The European Parliament has also voiced concerns over Musk’s actions, with several Members of Parliament (MEPs) calling for urgent action to ensure compliance with the DSA.
MEPs from across the political spectrum have weighed in. Damian Boeselager, a member of the Greens (VOLT), has criticized Musk for undermining the integrity of European democratic processes. Axel Voss, a member of the European People’s Party (EPP), has also urged the European Commission to expedite its review of X’s compliance with the DSA.
However, there is also significant division within the Parliament. Several far-right lawmakers like MEP Fidias Panayiotou, see Musk as an ally in their resistance to what they perceive as overreach by the EU. These lawmakers have rejected calls for stricter enforcement of the DSA, framing such regulatory measures as “censorship” similar to authoritarian regimes. This ideological divide complicates the EU’s ability to respond uniformly, but the Commission remains committed to ensuring that its digital rules are upheld.
What’s Next for X and the EU?
As the investigation into X continues, the European Commission is expected to make a final determination on whether Musk’s platform violates the DSA. The DSA does not set any legal deadline for bringing formal proceedings to an end. If found guilty, X could face fines of up to 6% of its global turnover, a penalty that would send a strong message about the EU’s commitment to protecting electoral integrity and combating digital disinformation.
The Commission’s next steps will involve a careful balance between regulatory enforcement and diplomatic consideration of the political implications. As European lawmakers prepare for further debates and investigations, the EU must ensure that its regulatory framework not only protects citizens from digital manipulation but also fosters a fair and open digital space where political discourse remains free from undue influence.
Conclusion
The EU’s response to Musk’s influence in European politics will test its ability to regulate global digital platforms. The DSA shows the EU’s commitment to democracy, transparency, and accountability, which are essential for protecting its digital future. The review of X under the DSA presents both opportunities and challenges, as the EU works to balance innovation with the integrity of its democratic processes. The EU must uphold its digital rules and core values of fairness and transparency as the investigation continues.
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