Ireland opened an investigation into Elon Musk’s social network X, which allegedly violated European moderation rules

The platform was primarily accused of not allowing its users to appeal moderation decisions. Irish authorities are also concerned that procedures for lodging complaints “are not easily accessible”.

Ireland’s media regulator announced the opening of an investigation into Elon Musk’s social network X on Wednesday 12 November. The platform allegedly violated the European Digital Services Regulations (DSA), by not offering users the opportunity to appeal its moderation decisions.

Coimisiún na Meán (Media Commission) also expressed concern about the procedures for filing complaints “not easily accessible”contrary to what is required by law. “This investigation will determine whether X has properly informed users of their right to challenge the decisions it makes”underlines John Evans, responsible for digital services at the Irish Media Commission. This is the first investigation opened by the Irish regulator under the DSA. In theory, this could result in fines of up to 6% of turnover.

Under the DSA, the European Commission is the primary regulator of X, which is designated as a “very large online platform” and is therefore subject to strengthened controls. Brussels also opened an investigation in late 2023 into Elon Musk’s social networks, specifically into disinformation. However, compliance in the EU with specific articles of the DSA remains under the authority of the national regulator of the country where the company’s European headquarters are located, in this case Ireland for X.