The European Commission has issued a stern warning to X Corp., the owner of a prominent social media platform, regarding the dissemination of illegal content on its platform, including hate speech and incitements to violence. European Commissioner Thierry Breton urged X Corp. owner Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino to take immediate action to address these concerns, citing recent events in the United Kingdom as well as an upcoming conversation between Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a letter posted on X Corp.'s platform, Commissioner Breton emphasized the need for vigilance in the face of potential risks associated with the spread of content that incites violence, racism, and hate, particularly during significant political and societal events, such as elections and debates. Breton called upon X Corp. to ensure the effectiveness of its systems and promptly report the measures taken to his team.

In response to the warning, X Corp.'s CEO Linda Yaccarino criticized the European Commission's attempt to stretch European laws to political activities in the United States. She argued that it patronized European citizens by insinuating their inability to draw their own conclusions from discussions. Nonetheless, the European Commission reminded Musk and Yaccarino of their due diligence obligations under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates social networks and streaming media platforms to prevent the spread of harmful content on their platforms.

With X Corp. boasting a reported 300 million users worldwide, approximately one-third of whom are based in the European Union, the company falls under the category of a Very Large Online Platform, thereby requiring compliance with European laws, including the DSA. Commissioner Breton stressed that the EU would not hesitate to "make full use of our toolbox" to protect EU citizens from the serious harm caused by illegal content.

The recent riots in the United Kingdom, fueled by disinformation spread on X Corp.'s platform and other social media platforms, serve as a grim reminder of the impact such content can have on society. False information identifying the wrong perpetrator in a stabbing attack on children attending a dance class triggered these riots. Musk's subsequent incendiary comments on X Corp., including a suggestion of civil war, have drawn condemnation from British officials, who argue that there is no justification for such remarks.

The European Commission initiated an investigation last year to determine whether X Corp. was in breach of the DSA, with a particular focus on dark patterns, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers. The investigation is still ongoing. Breton noted that the EU cannot exclude potential spillovers of illegal content in its jurisdiction, even when it relates to affairs in other countries. As part of its powers under the DSA, the commission can enforce interim measures, such as changes to recommender systems, increased monitoring, or orders to terminate or remedy infringements. In case of non-compliance, fines of up to 6% of a company's global annual revenue can be imposed.

The European Commission's warning to X Corp. reflects a wider effort to combat the dissemination of illegal and harmful content on social media platforms. As online platforms play an increasingly influential role in shaping public discourse, it is essential for these companies to prioritize the safety and well-being of their users by proactively addressing the spread of illegal content and maintaining compliance with the regulatory frameworks within which they operate.