Elon Musk, taking over Twitter in 2022 and renamed it “X”, announced an era of freedom of speech and the end of censorship. Today, these declarations collide with a reality that is increasingly reminiscent of the 1 directed against authoritarian regimes. As reported, among others. The fresh York Times, the European Commission is preparing to impose an unprecedented punishment on platform X for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Photo: thefad, AI
Algorithmic censorship and selective visibility
For respective months, allegations against X have afraid not only the deficiency of moderation of hatred speech or disinformation, but besides the active suppression of content that is not in line with Elon Musk's views. According to information published by independent researchers and cited by global media, artificial intelligence utilized on the platform was intended to deliberately limit the coverage of accounts criticizing Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, accounts supporting Muska and profiles spreading far-right narratives are promoted. As commentators note, the phrase is 180 degrees in relation to the promises of "technological neutrality" and "freeness of speech" that Musk made after taking over the platform.
European response: billions of penalties and systemic requirements
According to reports The fresh York TimesThe European Commission is planning to announce a decision on the punishment this summer. It may exceed $1 billion and be the first case to apply DSA rules on specified a scale. Key charges are:
- lack of algorithmic transparency,
- insufficient moderation of content infringing EU law,
- limiting access to data for independent researchers,
- promoting extremist content.
The European Union is besides considering applying sanctions not only to platform X itself, but besides to another projects controlled by Elon Musk, specified as SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI or The Boring Company. The exception would be Tesla, which as a listed company is not subject to direct control by Musk.
Musk in Defence
According to unofficial information, Elon Musk was expected to respond with “fury” to EC announcements. In fresh months, a billionaire has reported crucial financial losses, including as a consequence of consumer boycotts and the fall in the value of its companies. Imageably Musk is increasingly seen as a sympathizer with utmost right-wing movements, which further worsens his position in the eyes of public opinion and investors.
Polarisation and the Future of the Platform
The European Commission's decision can be a turning point not only for X, but for the full ecosystem of social media. The case of Elon Musk shows that freedom of speech in digital space can be utilized instrumentally, and declarations of "neutrality" frequently only service to legitimise circumstantial political and economical interests.
DF, thefad.pl Source: The fresh York Times, Reuters, EU Politico
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