2024-07-13 05:06:22
“X designed and implemented its interface for verified accounts with a blue check mark in a way that does not comply with industry practices and deceives users,” cried the European Commission, in a press release targeting the network Elon Musk’s community. “Anyone can contribute to this type of verification, which reduces the ability of users to make free and informed decisions about the accounts they deal with. There is evidence that malicious actors are abusing this system, ” he believed further.
This challenge is the first under the new digital services regulation (DSA), which came into force last year to protect Internet users against dangerous content. By 2023, European Internet users represent 9% of the approximately 400 million monthly active users of X (formerly Twitter).
Musk fustige “secret deal”
Brussels also ruled that Elon Musk’s company is violating its transparency obligations regarding announcements and access to platform data for researchers. It may lead to a final decision of indiscretion in the coming months. If the group does not correct the perceived deficiencies, it is exposed to financial sanctions of up to 6% of the global X annual turnover, or approximately $240 million using Twitter turnover in 2022.
“A democratic system that allows everyone to get a certified certificate is better than a job offered only to the privileged few,” replied the executive director of X, Linda Yaccarino. Elon Musk expresses his anger on X: “DSA IS disinformation!” “, he replied, accusing Brussels of having tried to negotiate a “secret agreement” with him from “unsaid content”. “We expect a public battle in court, so that Europeans can know the truth,” added. “No comment,” replied the European leader.
Many studies
Brussels was concerned in September about a particularly high amount of false information published on X, after tests carried out on various social networks. The preliminary process was opened on October 12, five days after the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas against Israel, and then the formal investigation was launched in December.
The list of complaints is particularly long: a small number of moderators, an ineffective reporting system for illegal content, insufficient warning messages against violent images, etc.
Freedom of expression without limitation
Elon Musk appears to be a strong defender of freedom of expression and has repeatedly criticized the moderation of content on social networks, that it has censorship and attacks on freedom of expression.
In April 2022, it bought Twitter for $44 billion, partly with the aim of making the platform a place for unfettered free expression. Then he immediately made a huge wave of layoffs of over 80% of the workforce, which reduced the balance sheet.
He said he would make changes to the platform to make it “more comprehensive and informative”, while making sure there is “a place where freedom of expression is respected”. However, Musk’s plans for Twitter have sparked concerns that they could lead to an increase in misinformation and hate speech. Some critics say that his approach to free speech is too conservative, and that he fails to consider the potential harm that unregulated expression can cause.
DSA agreement
The DSA requires all online platforms to establish a system for reporting problematic content and to “promptly” remove any objectionable content or make access impossible once they become aware of it. When it comes to advertising, platforms must allow each user to know the parameters used to target them and the sponsors of the ads.
A group of 25 important digital actors, of which X is a member, must also give approved researchers access to the data that feeds their algorithms so that compliance with the process can be monitored. In addition to Elon Musk’s network, three other large platforms – TikTok, AliExpress and Meta – are the subject of regulations from Brussels, without up to the level of the accusation announced on Friday for X.
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