EU Commissioner Issues Warning to Elon Musk Over Illegal Content on X

European Commissioner Thierry Breton has warned Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, that his company could face penalties if it doesn’t stop the spread of illegal content. This warning comes after riots in the UK, which were stirred by false information related to a stabbing attack, spread on X.

Breton stressed the need to manage harmful content that could lead to violence, hate speech, and racism, especially during important political events. He said the European Union (EU) is ready to use its full range of legal tools under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to keep its citizens safe.

The issue became more urgent with a planned live discussion on X between Musk and a U.S. presidential candidate that would be available in the EU. Breton’s letter, which was shared on X and reported by CNBC, asked for immediate improvements to how X handles its content and for a report on these changes.

“I am writing to you in the context of recent events in the United Kingdom and in relation to the planned broadcast on your platform X of a live conversation between a US presidential candidate and yourself, which will also be accessible to users in the EU,” Thierry Breton, European commissioner for the internal market, wrote in a letter that was posted Monday on X.

“We are monitoring the potential risks in the EU associated with the dissemination of content that may incite violence, hate and racism in conjunction with major political – or societal – events around the world, including debates and interviews in the context of elections,” wrote Breton.

“I therefore urge you to promptly ensure the effectiveness of your systems and to report measures taken to my team,” he added, as quoted by CNBC.

Linda Yaccarino, the CEO, responded by criticizing the EU’s actions as overreaching, saying they suggest that European citizens can’t think for themselves.

The EU’s DSA requires large platforms like X, which has about 100 million users in the EU, to follow strict rules to stop the spread of harmful content. X is considered a “Very Large Online Platform,” so it must comply with these rules.

Breton also mentioned recent UK riots that were ignited by incorrect claims on X about who was behind attacks at a dance class. Musk’s comments on the situation, including some controversial tweets about civil unrest in the UK, have been widely criticized by British officials.

The EU Commission, which started looking into X last year for possibly breaking the DSA rules, can fine the company up to 6% of its yearly global income if it finds the platform at fault. This investigation and recent events highlight the growing challenges social media platforms face in controlling what is shared.