The European Commission has increased pressure on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, probing potential violations of EU rules.

Scrutiny of Algorithm Practices

The EU has requested detailed documentation about X’s “recommender system” by 15 February. This system suggests content to users and is central to the investigation. Officials want to understand how it operates and whether changes have amplified far-right content.

X is being investigated under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates strict rules for content moderation and misinformation control. Allegations suggest X’s algorithms unfairly favor certain political narratives, raising alarms about potential manipulation.

EU Pushes for Compliance

Henna Virkkunen, EU digital commissioner, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to enforcing its laws. She warned X could face fines or bans if found in violation. The commission issued a retention order, requiring X to preserve records on algorithm adjustments until the investigation concludes.

Additionally, the EU has requested access to X’s APIs, enabling an in-depth review of how external content interacts with its platform.

Allegations of Political Bias

X’s practices have drawn criticism, especially following Musk’s public support for far-right views and engagement with controversial political figures. The EU is examining whether the platform’s algorithms amplify specific narratives, undermining fair elections.

While Musk defends his actions as free speech, EU officials stress the importance of transparency to safeguard democratic processes. This investigation highlights the growing tension between tech regulation and freedom of expression in the digital space.