European Commission right to open formal investigation into actions of X.

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that he supports the European Commissioner launching of an investigation into X, under the Digital Services Act, for possible breaches related to risk management, content moderation, dark patterns, advertising transparency and data access for researchers.

“The Commission, I believe, are correct to launch this investigation. It has been clear to most people that, since Mr. Musk took over ownership and operation of X, standards have slipped at the company, and in particular in terms of content moderation.

“Mr. Musk has attempted to instil into the company a value system that is at odds with the way we do business in the European Union. That is, of course, his right. However, if he wants to operate in the European Single Market, he must adhere to our rules, and in particular adhere to his obligations as set out in the Digital Services Act.

“X is categorised as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP). With this designation comes requirements if the company wants to provide services in the Single Market. It has been clear for some time that the company has not been operating according to European law.

“Infringement proceedings are a major step for the Commission and for them to launch them is a serious matter. I hope for the sake of the company and the thousands of staff, in particular the Irish based staff that the owners of X work with the Commission, and find a solution to the obvious challenges that have arisen.

“No one is above EU Law, not even one of the world’s richest men,” concluded Kelleher.