European Commission eyes Musk's false claims on platform X
The European Commission is considering including Elon Musk's dissemination of false information about the Norwegian Prime Minister in its investigation into platform X. EC spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, also mentioned other false information about politicians and events outside the European Union.
The European Commission is considering including Elon Musk's dissemination of false information about Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in its investigation into platform X, stated EC spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, during a press briefing in Brussels.
The EC spokesperson emphasised that spreading illegal content and amplifying dangerous narratives, including those concerning politicians outside the EU, could be part of the proceedings conducted against X.
Regnier explained that similar issues have arisen with fake news spread on X, which resulted in anti-immigrant riots in the United Kingdom. He also noted the case of content circulated on the platform related to Hamas's attack on Israel, where the reach and intensity of terrorist content could affect the EU.
Musk posted false information about the Norwegian Prime Minister
One of the materials that may be included in the investigation is the false information posted by Musk, featuring a photo of the Norwegian Prime Minister with Bill Gates. This photo was intended to suggest that both were criticising Musk. Norwegian Secretary of State Kristoffer Thoner refuted these claims, calling them false information.
Støre did comment on Musk's attempts to meddle in international politics, but he did not discuss this matter with Gates. The meeting with the American businessman was about global health policy. Nevertheless, Musk's post received 12 million views and 11 thousand comments.
European Commission's investigations into platform X
Last year, the European Commission opened five investigations against platform X, including regarding the dissemination of illegal content. Two cases are still ongoing, and in three cases, the EC provided X with a preliminary assessment of the violation of EU regulations on Digital Services (DSA).
For breaking EU law, Musk's platform may face a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover, and ultimately the EC could suspend X's operations in the EU.
