EU expands X investigation, asks for internal documents about recommendation algorithm after complaints from German politicians that X is boosting the far-right
It has been learned that the European Commission has taken additional investigative measures against Twitter (formerly Twitter) in the ongoing investigation procedure under the Digital Services Act. This move is believed to be in response to complaints from German politicians that Twitter is promoting far-right content ahead of the German general election on February 23, 2025.
Daily News 17 / 01 / 2025
European Union orders X to hand over algorithm documents - Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/european-union-orders-x-to-hand-over-algorithm-documents/
EU Wants to Peek Into the X Algorithm to See Why It Keeps Promoting the Far-Right
https://gizmodo.com/eu-wants-to-peak-into-the-x-algorithm-to-see-why-it-keeps-promoting-the-far-right-2000551863
The Digital Services Act is a set of rules put in place by the European Commission that require social platforms, including X, to act in accordance with the act to eliminate racism, fake news and illegal content.
On October 10, 2023, the European Union sent a formal letter to X after it was pointed out that X was being used to spread illegal content and disinformation within the EU in the wake of the war between Hamas and Israel. X responded that it was actively dealing with this issue by establishing its own fact-checking system, 'Community Notes,' but such measures were deemed to be ineffective, and the European Commission began an investigation into X's possible violation of the Digital Services Act.
European Commission finally launches investigation into hate speech and fake news on X (formerly Twitter), triggered by Israel-Hamas war - GIGAZINE
On January 17, 2025, the European Commission requested X to submit internal documents related to its recommendation algorithm by February 15, 2025 as a procedure for further investigation. In addition, the Commission requested X to preserve relevant internal documents and information regarding any changes to the design and functionality of the recommendation algorithm for the period from January 17, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Technology media Ars Technica pointed out that 'The move follows complaints from German politicians that X's algorithms promote far-right content.'
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has commented on the likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz's 'firm rejection of a pro-freedom approach,' saying that 'only the Alternative for Germany (AfD) can save Germany.' The AfD is considered a far-right party.
Only the AfD can save Germany https://t.co/Afu0ea1Fvt
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2024
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Musk's support for the AfD as 'completely unacceptable,' and the German Defense and Foreign Ministries announced they would suspend their activities with X.
In response to a question about whether the expansion of the investigation was a response to a discussion Musk had with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, a European Commission spokesperson said, 'It's to monitor the system in relation to all current events and has nothing to do with political considerations or any specific events.'
'We will take further steps to clarify whether X's recommendation system complies with the obligations of the Digital Services Act,' European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen said. 'The Commission is committed to ensuring that all platforms operating in the EU respect our laws, which aim to create a fair, safe and democratic online environment for all European citizens.'
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