BRUSSELS, Jan 17 (Reuters) - The European Commission announced on Friday that it is intensifying its investigation into whether Elon Musk's social media platform X violated EU regulations on content moderation. The Commission has requested information and instructed X to retain pertinent documents.
In December 2023, the EU regulatory body initiated the probe, prompting the Commission to ask X to submit internal records related to its content suggestion algorithm, as well as any recent modifications, by Feb. 15.
In a statement, EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stated, "Today we are taking further steps to scrutinize X's compliance with the requirements of the DSA," referring to the Digital Services Act.
Owner Elon Musk has had repeated run-ins with EU regulators. Some European politicians have accused him of interfering in elections, pointing to his online discussion with the leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party. Musk has defended himself, citing a commitment to democracy and freedom of expression.
The Commission issued a "retention order," compelling X to safeguard internal documents and details concerning upcoming alterations to its recommendation algorithms from Jan. 17 through the end of 2025. Additionally, access to specific technical interfaces of X was requested.
"These measures will enable Commission services to consider all pertinent information in the comprehensive evaluation, under the DSA, of systemic risks and their mitigation," stated the Commission.