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EU demands X algorithm transparency amid claims of bias ahead of German election
By willowt // 2025-01-21
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  • The European Commission has launched a probe into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, demanding internal documents on its recommendation algorithms, amid allegations of amplifying far-right content, especially in the lead-up to Germany’s February election.
  • The investigation, initiated under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), focuses on potential violations of content moderation and transparency rules, with the EU empowered to impose fines of up to 6% of the company’s global annual revenue for non-compliance.
  • Regulatory scrutiny has increased due to Musk’s recent political activities, including a live-streamed interview with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party, and an op-ed praising the AfD, which have drawn criticism from European leaders.
  • The EU is examining whether X’s algorithms disproportionately amplify certain narratives, a practice known as "shadow-banning," and has issued a retention order to preserve internal documents related to future algorithm changes.
  • This investigation is part of the EU’s broader effort to regulate tech giants, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to creating a fair, safe and democratic online environment, with the DSA and Digital Markets Act (DMA) signaling a significant shift in digital governance.
The European Union has intensified its investigation into X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, demanding internal documents related to its recommendation algorithms. The move comes amid allegations that the platform has manipulated its systems to amplify far-right content and politicians, particularly in the lead-up to Germany’s pivotal February election. The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, has set a February 15 deadline for X to disclose details about its “recommender system” and any recent modifications. This probe underscores the growing tension between global tech giants and European regulators, who are increasingly wary of the influence these platforms wield over democratic processes. The investigation, launched in December 2023 under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), focuses on whether X has violated rules on content moderation and transparency. The DSA, enacted to curb the spread of illegal content and misinformation, empowers regulators to impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue for non-compliance. The EU’s digital commissioner, Henna Virkkunen, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to enforcing these laws, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the EU respects our legislation, which aims to make the online environment fair, safe and democratic for all European citizens.”

Musk’s political endorsements spark regulatory scrutiny

The scrutiny of X has been fueled in part by Musk’s recent forays into European politics. Earlier this month, Musk hosted a live-streamed interview with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which drew over 200,000 viewers. Musk also penned an op-ed in the German newspaper Die Welt praising the AfD, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders. Critics accuse Musk of using his platform to meddle in elections, a charge he vehemently denies. “The criticism is an affront to democracy and free speech,” Musk has said. The EU’s investigation is not merely a reaction to Musk’s political endorsements but also a response to broader concerns about algorithmic bias. Regulators are examining whether X’s algorithms disproportionately amplify certain narratives while suppressing others, a practice known as “shadow-banning.” This issue gained prominence after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, when social media platforms faced accusations of manipulating public discourse. The EU’s retention order, which requires X to preserve internal documents related to future algorithm changes, reflects a proactive approach to preventing similar controversies in Europe. Johnny Ryan, a tech litigator, praised the EU’s actions, calling the retention order “an important step.” He noted that similar measures were employed after allegations of election manipulation involving TikTok in Romania. “It’s positive that Virkkunen is taking the opportunity to publicly signal that the EU will enforce its law on its soil,” Ryan said.

Historical context and broader implications

The EU’s crackdown on X is part of a broader effort to regulate Big Tech, a trend that has gained momentum in recent years. The DSA, alongside the Digital Markets Act (DMA), represents a significant shift in how the EU approaches digital governance. These laws aim to create a more level playing field for smaller competitors while safeguarding democratic processes from the undue influence of tech monopolies. The current investigation into X is a litmus test for the EU’s regulatory framework, with implications that extend far beyond Europe’s borders. As the German election approaches, the stakes could not be higher. The AfD, currently polling as the second-largest party in Germany, has been accused of promoting extremist views and undermining democratic norms. If X’s algorithms are found to have favored the AfD, it could further erode public trust in social media platforms and intensify calls for stricter regulation. For now, the EU’s actions signal a clear message: in the digital age, the rules of the game are changing, and no platform is above the law. In the words of Thierry Breton, former European commissioner for internal market, “The bloc is looking into whether X failed to live up to its obligations regarding transparency and tackling illegal content.” As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: The battle between tech giants and regulators is far from over, and its outcome will shape the future of digital democracy. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com TheGuardian.com Yahoo.com
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