EU Probes Elon Musk’s X over its Content and Political Bias

Elon Musk’s social media platform X is facing an intense investigation from the European Union. Officials are probing whether X has violated the new Digital Services Act (DSA) through its content moderation practices and Musk’s own growing political involvement. The inquiry focuses on the spread of misinformation and potential interference in democratic processes across Europe, putting the company at risk of major penalties.

EU Scrutinizes X’s Content Moderation Policies

The EU’s investigation centers on the Digital Services Act, a landmark law designed to make online platforms more accountable for the content they host. This act requires large platforms like X to actively manage the risks associated with harmful content and disinformation.

Since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2023, his “freedom of speech, not reach” policy has been a major point of contention. This approach has allowed more controversial posts to remain visible, raising alarms in Brussels about the platform’s compliance with the DSA’s strict rules.

EU officials are now fast-tracking their inquiry to determine if X is doing enough to curb harmful content. An official involved in the case described the investigation as “energetic,” signaling the EU’s serious intent to enforce its new digital regulations.

Musk’s Political Influence Raises Red Flags

The investigation has grown more complex due to Musk’s own political activities and commentary. His recent public endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has caused significant concern among EU leaders, who view the party as extremist.

This is not just about personal tweets. Musk’s decision to host an interview with AfD leader Alice Weidel on X is seen by critics as using the platform to legitimize and promote controversial political figures. EU officials are worried that Musk’s personal political leanings could directly influence the platform’s operations in Europe.

Key concerns that have intensified the scrutiny include:

• Using X to amplify specific political candidates or parties that align with his views.
• Potentially skewing political conversations ahead of sensitive European elections.
• Creating a platform where fringe voices can gain mainstream traction and influence.

This pattern mirrors worries previously raised in the United States, where Musk’s actions were seen as beneficial to certain political campaigns.

Fears of Algorithmic Bias and Manipulation

At the core of the EU’s concerns is the potential for X’s powerful algorithm to be weaponized. Technology experts fear the platform’s content-ranking system could be tweaked to secretly promote posts and ideologies that align with Musk’s political views.

This kind of algorithmic manipulation could subtly shape public opinion without users even realizing they are being influenced. The fear is not just about what content is allowed on the platform, but what content is actively and widely pushed into people’s feeds.

These concerns are amplified by the platform’s broader changes to content moderation under Musk. Critics argue these changes have already allowed extremist narratives to flourish, potentially destabilizing healthy democratic debate.

What are the Stakes for X in Europe?

The consequences for X could be severe if it is found to have breached the Digital Services Act. This investigation is a major test of the EU’s power to regulate Big Tech and hold platforms accountable for their impact on society.

Beyond the legal troubles, the company faces a significant reputational crisis in Europe. If users and advertisers perceive X as a tool for political manipulation, it could lead to a mass exodus from the platform, impacting its revenue and relevance in the region.

Here is a breakdown of the potential penalties X could face under the EU’s Digital Services Act:

This case highlights the ongoing global debate about balancing free expression with the urgent need to prevent online harm and protect democratic institutions from undue influence.