European Commission Investigates X for Harmful Content

By Martin Coulter

LONDON (Reuters) – An ongoing European Commission investigation into social media platform X may consider its handling of harmful content linked to recent UK riots, a spokesperson stated.

Last month, EU officials issued charges against X, owned by Elon Musk, under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates large online platforms to address illegal content and threats to public safety.

While the UK has not been an EU member since 2020, harmful content that violates DSA rules in the UK may still affect users in Europe, risking noncompliance with the law.

Disinformation and calls for violence surged on social media in the UK following the fatal stabbing of three young girls, with far-right and anti-Muslim groups exploiting the situation.

A Commission spokesperson noted, “What happens outside of the EU is not covered by the DSA, but what happens in the UK is visible here. If there are examples of hate speech or incitements to violence, they could be taken into account as part of our proceedings against X.”

X has not provided a comment on the matter.