The European Commission has mandated X to provide internal documents concerning its algorithms by February 15, 2024, as part of an investigation into compliance with the Digital Services Act. Accusations against X involve favoritism towards far-right content. The Commission has issued a retention order for relevant documents and API access, asserting its commitment to enforcement, regardless of political influence.
The European Commission has requested internal documentation from X regarding its algorithms as part of an escalating investigation into potential breaches of EU rules on content moderation. The Commission specifically seeks details about X’s recommender system, which suggests content to users, including any recent changes made to it, with a deadline set for February 15.
Since December 2023, X has been under scrutiny under the Digital Services Act (DSA) concerning its management of illegal content and misinformation. Accusations suggest that the platform’s systems may favor far-right content and figures, raising concerns about the platform’s neutrality in political discourse.
EU digital commissioner Henna Virkkunen announced the Commission’s initiatives to ensure compliance with DSA regulations, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to fair and democratic online environments. Despite speculation over potential changes in its approach to big tech investigations, the EU remains steadfast in enforcing its laws, independent of external political factors.
Alongside the documentation request, the Commission issued a retention order requiring X to preserve all pertinent internal documents until the investigation concludes. Additionally, X must grant access to its commercial interfaces or APIs, facilitating the automatic retrieval of third-party content.
Legal experts view this order as a significant measure, supporting claims that it reinforces regulatory power in tech oversight. In recent weeks, Elon Musk faced criticism for perceived election interference, which has prompted the Commission to evaluate the impact of algorithms on political narratives and fair elections within the EU. Musk himself has countered these criticisms as infringements on democratic expression.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
