The⁣ European ‌Commission has launched a formal examination into X⁤ (formerly Twitter) over concerns it may be violating ‍the Digital Services Act ⁤(DSA). the investigation ‌centers on X’s ⁤new feature, X‍ Premium (formerly Twitter Blue), and‍ whether it adequately distinguishes verified accounts from those that have simply paid for a⁤ subscription.

The DSA, which‍ came ⁣into effect for very ‍large online⁣ platforms (VLOPs) like X on ​August 25, 2023, requires platforms to take specific steps‍ to protect users from illegal and harmful content.While the ‍DSA doesn’t *require* platforms to verify all users,​ it ⁢explicitly prohibits them from ⁢falsely claiming​ users are⁤ verified‌ when they are⁢ not. This is notably relevant given X’s ​changes ‌to its ‍verification ‍system.

The Shift in ‍Verification‍ and‍ the Rise of Impersonation

Previously,blue checkmarks on Twitter signified verified accounts belonging‌ to notable public figures,organizations,and journalists. ⁢ ⁢Under Elon Musk’s​ ownership, X introduced X Premium, ⁤a paid subscription service that ‍grants users ⁢a blue ​checkmark, ⁣nonetheless of their notability. This change has‌ led to widespread concerns​ about impersonation‌ and the spread of ‍misinformation. Musk’s professed goal to⁤ eliminate⁤ bots was a primary reason he⁤ bought Twitter.

recent issues⁢ with X’s ‍features have further highlighted these concerns.Futurism reported that ⁣a new feature inadvertently revealed that some⁤ prominent MAGA influencers were operating “in ‌Eastern ⁢Europe, Thailand, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and other parts ⁣of the world,” frequently enough linked ​to online scams and ⁤schemes. This revelation ⁣raised‍ questions about the authenticity of these accounts and the potential for coordinated‌ disinformation campaigns.

DSA ⁤Requirements and ‌Potential Consequences

The⁣ European Commission’s investigation focuses on whether X’s current verification system complies with the ⁤DSA’s requirements ⁢regarding clarity and‍ the prevention of misleading⁢ practices. Specifically, the ‍Commission is‍ examining whether X​ is adequately informing​ users about⁢ the difference between organically verified accounts and those obtained through X ⁣Premium.

X now has ⁢60 days, from the date of the investigation launch (December 7, ⁣2023), to provide the Commission with detailed information‍ on ⁣the measures it has taken to address these‍ concerns. Failure to comply could ⁣result in⁢ notable penalties, including fines of up to 6% of X’s ⁢global annual‍ revenue. ‍According to ⁤X’s 2022 financial statements (prior to Musk’s acquisition), this could amount to billions ⁢of dollars.