Decline in EU User Base for X
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has experienced a decrease in its EU user base over the past year. According to figures released on August 17, X had 105.9 million EU users between February 1 and July 31, down from 111.4 million in the previous six months. This decline follows a period of tensions between Musk and the European Commission regarding compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).
X’s Compliance with the Digital Services Act
Despite the drop in users, X remains well above the 45 million monthly active user threshold that categorizes it as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the DSA. The DSA requires platforms like X to report user statistics every six months, enabling the European Commission to assess their compliance with regulations on content moderation, transparency, and user protection.
European Commission’s Probe into X
The European Commission initiated a DSA investigation into X last December, focusing on how the platform handles disinformation. The probe gained momentum after Musk’s response to the UK riots, where his actions on X reportedly fueled violence. The EU is scrutinizing whether X’s practices align with its legal obligations, particularly regarding the amplification of harmful content.
Tensions Between Musk and EU Commissioner Breton
The tension escalated when EU Commissioner Thierry Breton sent an open letter to Musk, urging him to comply with the DSA just hours before a live interview with US Republican candidate Donald Trump on X. Breton’s letter, which Musk viewed as interference in foreign politics, sparked backlash from Musk and his supporters, including US Republican members of Congress.
Civil Society Reactions and Ongoing Disputes
Civil society organizations such as Access Now and Article 19 have criticized Breton’s approach, urging the EU to ensure that DSA enforcement is evidence-based and respects human rights. The European Commission, however, has maintained that Breton’s letter was a general reminder of X’s responsibilities under the DSA, with the Trump interview cited as an example of a significant event that could impact the EU.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Business Insider
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