Misinformation on the internet: EU Commission opens proceedings against online service X
According to its own statements, the Commission also wants to check whether the so-called blue checkmarks on the platform can have a "deceptive" effect. Owner Elon Musk introduced a subscription model on X that allows users to buy the blue tick. The tick had previously indicated the authenticity of the profiles of institutions and celebrities, for example. The Commission also suspects that X does not provide sufficient data on advertisements on the platform.
Brussels had already warned X in October for spreading false information in connection with the war between Israel and Hamas. Large internet companies are obliged under the DSA, which came into force at the end of August, to take action against disinformation on their platforms. According to a study by the EU Commission, X has the highest proportion of such misinformation. Critics accuse owner Elon Musk of having greatly reduced content moderation and action against hate speech and misinformation since taking over Twitter last year.
jhm/jes
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
- German activists speak out in Dubai on suffering in Israel and the Gaza Strip
- Despite UN vote: fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip continues
- The EU Commission initiated proceedings against online service X due to its alleged role in disseminating false information, as reported by certain news outlets.
- In the wake of this, the Commission also aims to investigate whether the blue checkmarks on the platform could potentially contribute to the spread of false information, following statements from its owner, Elon Musk.
- The blue checkmark was previously used to denote the authenticity of profiles for institutions and celebrities on the platform, but Musk introduced a subscription model allowing users to purchase this verification mark.
- Brussels expressed concerns last October about X spreading false information in relation to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and emphasized the need for online services to comply with the rules outlined in the DSA.
- Under the DSA, large internet companies are obligated to address disinformation on their platforms, with a study conducted by the EU Commission revealing that X has a higher proportion of misinformation than other platforms.
- Critics have accused Musk of relaxing content moderation and action against hate speech and misinformation since he took over Twitter last year, thereby exacerbating these concerns regarding X.
Source: www.stern.de
