The European Union is intensifying efforts to force Elon Musk’s X platform to reveal internal algorithm data amid concerns over its influence on political discourse in Germany. The investigation follows Musk’s vocal support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been gaining traction ahead of the national election.
Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), EU regulators have given X until February 15 to submit detailed documentation on how its recommendation system functions. The legislation, enacted in 2022, grants the EU significant control over content moderation across digital platforms operating within its borders.
Musk’s recent engagement with AfD leadership, including an interview with Alice Weidel that reached hundreds of thousands of viewers, has drawn criticism from EU officials. They claim the platform’s algorithm may be giving an unfair advantage to opposition parties critical of the current leadership’s handling of migration.
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s digital commissioner, emphasized the importance of enforcing compliance with European laws, stating that platforms failing to meet regulatory demands could face significant financial consequences.
Despite the EU’s demands, Musk has pushed back, asserting that X operates within legal boundaries and provides a space for open discussion on issues affecting European citizens. He has accused EU regulators of attempting to suppress dissenting voices through regulatory overreach.
The EU’s investigation also includes an order for X to retain key documents and system records through the end of the year as officials continue their scrutiny.
