As part of an ongoing investigation, the European Commission has asked social media company X (formerly Twitter) for information about the performance of the app's algorithmic system. In particular, the Commission sought to know about any recent changes in the algorithm.
This investigation is being conducted in accordance with the European Union's (EU) Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission asked X to provide this information by February 15 to strengthen the investigation.
In addition, some of X has requested access to APIs, so that they can collect direct data on content moderation and account 'virality' by regulators. The commission also issued a retention order for X, which will force the company to preserve its internal documents until the end of 2025 (or until the investigation is completed). Any changes to X's algorithm in the future are related.
In a statement last Friday, the commission's executive vice-president Hena Varikkunen said, 'Today, we are taking steps to find out more about the compatibility of X's recommendation system with its obligations under the DSA. We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the European Union complies with our laws, which will help make the online environment fairer, safer and more democratic for everyone.'
In December 2023, the European Commission opened an investigation into possible violations of the DSA. Companies that violate the law can be fined up to 6 percent of their global annual revenue.
Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton said the EU Commission is investigating X's transparency and obligations to tackle illegal content.
The EU is intensifying the probe after X's owner Elon Musk publicly endorsed the UK's Reform Party and Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party ahead of the election. Some European politicians have claimed that Musk is meddling in the election. However, Musk condemned the criticism as an attack on freedom and democracy.
The commission wants to examine whether X's algorithm 'shadowbans' certain opinions or overshares a single opinion. However, the commission said, Musk is free to express his opinion.
Note that a shadowban is to limit the visibility or reach of a user's post or account on an online platform or social media site. But the user doesn't understand it himself.
References: Ingazette
