The European Union has requested detailed information from the company in order to better understand how X’s algorithmic recommendation systems work. The European Commission (EC) is particularly concerned about the recent changes to the algorithm. The Commission, which accelerated the investigation within the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), gave X time to submit the necessary documents until February 15.
By requesting access to certain APIs of X, the Commission aims to obtain direct data on content moderation and interaction rates of accounts. In addition, a document preservation decision was also taken, obliging X to retain documents regarding possible changes to the algorithm until the end of 2025. This period may be shortened if the investigation is completed earlier.
European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen said in a statement on the subject: “Today, we are taking another step to clarify the compliance of X’s recommendation systems with DSA obligations. “We remain committed to ensuring that every platform operating in Europe complies with our laws that make the online environment fair, safe and democratic,” he said.
The investigation, which was launched in December 2023, was opened to examine X’s possible violations of the DSA. The EU can impose fines of up to 6 percent of their annual global revenues on companies that violate the law.
Former European Commission Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton stated that the investigation examined whether X fulfilled its obligations regarding transparency and the fight against illegal content. In addition, design practices that mislead users also stand out as one of the focus points of the Commission.
European Union deepened the investigation after Musk’s statements
The investigation deepened further after X’s owner Elon Musk announced that he supports the Reform Party in the UK and the far-right Alternative for Germany Party in Germany. According to Reuters, while some European politicians criticized Musk for interfering in the elections, Musk described these comments as an attack on freedom of expression and democracy.
The commission is also investigating whether X’s algorithms promote a single narrative while suppressing certain views. However, it was emphasized that Elon Musk is free to exercise his right to freedom of expression.
This review, carried out by the EU within the framework of the Digital Services Law, aims to reveal to what extent social media platforms fulfill their obligations regarding transparency, user security and content control.