EU Accuses X of Deceptive Practices and Violations
By The Nexus Gazette.
15th July, 2024.
Elon Musk’s social media platform, formerly known as Twitter and now rebranded as X, is under intense scrutiny as the European Union (EU) accuses it of breaching digital laws. The EU’s allegations highlight several key issues that could have significant repercussions for the platform.
The EU alleges that X’s “Blue checkmark” verification system does not align with industry standards. Unlike traditional verification processes that ensure the authenticity of accounts, X allows anyone to obtain a “verified” status through a paid subscription. This undermines users’ ability to assess the authenticity of accounts, as malicious actors can easily exploit this feature to deceive users. The EU claims this practice is deceptive and harmful to the platform’s integrity.
Another major concern is X’s failure to provide a searchable and reliable advertisement repository. Transparency in online advertising is crucial to prevent the spread of misinformation and harmful content. However, the EU points out that X’s current design lacks proper supervision and research capabilities, making it difficult to identify and mitigate emerging risks related to online advertising.
The EU also criticizes X for restricting eligible researchers from independently accessing its public data. This violation of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) hinders research and analysis that could help identify and address online harms. By limiting data access, X is accused of obstructing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability on the platform.
The European Commission’s preliminary findings could result in significant fines for X—up to 6% of the platform’s global annual turnover. This would be a substantial financial penalty, emphasizing the seriousness of the EU’s accusations. X has the opportunity to respond to these findings, but the platform’s practices are now under intense scrutiny.
In response to the EU’s allegations, a spokesperson for the European Commission stated, “The integrity of online platforms is paramount. X’s practices concerning verification, advertising transparency, and data access raise serious concerns about user deception and regulatory compliance.”
Elon Musk, known for his outspoken nature, has yet to issue a detailed response. However, industry analysts suggest that X will need to make significant changes to align with EU regulations and avoid hefty fines.
As X navigates this regulatory challenge, the outcome could have broader implications for other social media platforms. The case underscores the importance of adhering to digital laws and maintaining transparency, especially in an era where misinformation and online harms are rampant.
Elon Musk’s X faces a critical juncture as the EU scrutinizes its practices. The allegations of verification deception, lack of advertising transparency, and data access restrictions highlight significant concerns that must be addressed. The platform’s response and potential regulatory actions will be closely watched, setting a precedent for digital compliance and user protection.
Resources:
2.https://www.kpbs.org/news/economy/2024/07/12/eu-takes-elon-musks-x-to-court-over-blue-checks-and-ads
3.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw0y1ezpv5xo