EU warns Elon Musk to tackle ‘disinformation’ on X regarding Palestine conflict

The European Union has warned Elon Musk to tackle alleged “disinformation” on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, regarding the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, or else face financial penalties.

In a letter to Musk which was published on X on Tuesday, EU commissioner Thierry Breton told the platform’s owner that following the Hamas operation in Israeli-held territory over the weekend, “We have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU.”

Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against 🇮🇱, we have indications of X/Twitter being used to disseminate illegal content & disinformation in the EU.

Urgent letter to @elonmusk on #DSA obligations ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/avMm1LHq54

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 10, 2023

Breton reminded Musk that the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA) “sets very precise obligations regarding content moderation.” He called on him to set out and enforce clear guidelines on what is and is not permitted on the platform.

The new laws implemented by the EU require social media companies to respond to complaints about illegal content within 24 hours, allowing an appeal process for consumers and the platform’s right to dispute users’ complaints.

In that regard, Breton stressed, Musk must ensure “a prompt, accurate and complete response” to the request to contact Europol – the EU police enforcement agency – and “relevant law enforcement agencies” within 24 hours.

“When you receive notices of illegal content in the EU, you must be timely, diligent and objective in taking action and removing the relevant content when warranted,” insisted Breton. “We have, from qualified sources, reports about potentially illegal content circulating on your service despite flags from relevant authorities.”

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The EU official cited media and civil society organisations as reporting “instances of fake and manipulated images and facts circulating on your platform in the EU, such as repurposed old images of unrelated armed conflicts or military footage that actually originated from video games. This appears to be manifestly false or misleading information.”

Breton warned that the EU will include Musk’s answer in its assessment file on his compliance with the DSA. “I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed.” If Musk fails to comply, he can reportedly face a fine of 6 per cent of his revenues from X or a total blackout within the EU.

“Our policy is that everything is open source and transparent, an approach that I know the EU supports,” replied Musk. “Please list the violations you allude to on X, so that that the public can see them.”

Breton responded by telling Musk that he must be aware of reports on fake content and glorification of violence. “[It is] up to you to demonstrate that you walk the talk. My team remains at your disposal to ensure DSA compliance, which the EU will continue to enforce rigorously.”

Musk insisted, however, that actions must be out in the open. “No back-room deals. Post your concerns explicitly on this platform.”

Since the Hamas operation and the Israeli military bombardment of the Gaza Strip, as well as Tel Aviv’s enforcement of a total siege of the territory and its inhabitants, the EU has been firm in its support for Israel and its condemnation of Hamas as “terrorists”.

The call to fight “disinformation”, has been criticised as a way for the bloc to suppress dissent and views against the occupation state and its armed forces, or any expression of support for Palestinians.

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